In an effort to improve energy efficiency, and thus reduce Carbon Emissions, the EU governing body has introduced new legislation which will ensure that Energy Efficiency Ratings are in place in all buildings, whether Residential, Business or Public, and different types of Energy Assessors will be required to produce these.
These ratings are produced in the form of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), or Display Energy Certificates (DECs).
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is intended to inform potential buyers or tenants about the energy performance of a building, so they can consider energy efficiency as part of their investment or business decision to buy or occupy that building.An EPC will provide an energy rating for a building which is based on the performance potential of the building itself (the fabric) and its services (such as heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting).
The EPC looks broadly similar to the energy labels now provided with vehicles and many domestic appliances. Its purpose is to indicate how energy efficient a building is. The certificate will provide an energy rating of the building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is the least efficient. The better the rating, the more energy efficient the building is, and the lower the fuel bills are likely to be.