EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate.  Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) provide an indication of how energy efficient a building is and provide advice on how the energy efficiency of the building can be improved. Buildings are rated from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). Information is also provided on measures which could be made to improve the energy efficiency and an indication of the cost for each improvement.

In addition to information provided on the EPC, more detailed information and advice is contained within the Recommendation Report which is provided with the EPC. Up-to-date EPCs allow you to easily compare the energy efficiency of different properties.

Building owners are legally required to provide an EPC on construction, sale or rental of a building to a new tenant. They are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. EPCs must be obtained from an approved domestic energy assessor.

EPCs were first introduced in the The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008. These regulations set out when and what type of EPCs are required. EPCs for domestic properties include two ratings: an Energy Efficiency Rating and an Environmental Impact Rating. The former is an energy cost rating based on energy demand. The latter is based on carbon emissions. The Energy Efficiency Rating is the primary rating in use, is relatively well known, included in adverts for property and is the basis of our energy efficiency standards.

The EPC assessment will record specific information such as the size and layout of the building, how it has been constructed and the way it is insulated, heated, ventilated, and lighted. The EPC rating is for the property itself, not the way it is used. Because people use buildings in different ways, the calculation is based on standard assumptions about occupancy and use.

The EPC is produced using a UK Government calculation methodology.

At Landlords Compliance we have been carrying out EPC's in Edinburgh since 2008. If you need an EPC for the first time, or want to know what you can do to improve your existing EPC, get in touch.  We are here to help.  Call us on 0131 648 0748 or drop us an email at info@landlordscompliance.co.uk.