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What the EPC Consultation Means for the Future of Energy Performance Certificates

Published on : 23rd Jan 2025
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Completion & Post-Completion (RIBA 6-7)
Completion & Post-Completion (RIBA 6-7)

What the EPC Consultation Means for the Future of Energy Performance Certificates

The UK government has launched a significant consultation regarding the future of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) as part of its efforts to drive progress toward net zero carbon emissions by 2050. These proposed changes aim to make EPCs more informative, actionable, and reflective of the energy performance of buildings. Here’s what the consultation could mean for domestic and non-domestic properties across the UK.

What is the EPC Consultation Proposing?

At the heart of the consultation are proposed updates to both Domestic and Non-Domestic EPCs. These changes are designed to modernise the certificates and ensure they better serve the needs of property owners, tenants, and stakeholders while aligning with broader government priorities like tackling fuel poverty and improving building decency standards.

A Fuller Picture of Energy Performance

One of the most transformative proposals focuses on introducing complementary metrics that offer a more comprehensive view of a building’s energy performance.

Currently, EPCs primarily display a single energy efficiency rating, which may not fully capture a property’s environmental and financial implications. To address this, the government is proposing the addition of six new metrics:

  1. Energy Cost: Providing clearer insight into the financial impact of a building’s energy efficiency, helping consumers make cost-effective improvement decisions.
  2. Carbon Emissions: Highlighting the building’s carbon footprint to support decarbonisation efforts.
  3. Energy Use: Offering a breakdown of overall energy consumption, pointing to areas for potential efficiency improvements.
  4. Fabric Performance: Assessing the thermal performance of the building envelope to determine heat retention and loss.
  5. Heating System: Evaluating the efficiency and environmental impact of the building’s heating system.
  6. Smart Readiness: Measuring a property’s capacity to integrate smart technologies for optimised energy management.

These metrics are designed to empower property owners and occupiers with actionable insights, moving beyond static ratings to deliver meaningful, context-driven data.

Increasing Requirements for EPCs and DECs

The consultation raises important questions about EPC validity periods, suggesting six potential options ranging from less than two years to 10 years. Shorter validity periods would ensure that certificates remain accurate and reflective of recent energy improvements, while longer periods could reduce administrative burdens.

Additionally, trigger points for EPC requirements could be expanded. A notable proposal is that private landlords must obtain a new EPC whenever their current one expires, ensuring rented properties remain energy efficient.

The scope of EPCs is also set to widen. Proposed changes include:

  • Removing exemptions for heritage buildings, encouraging energy efficiency upgrades in older structures.
  • Bringing HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) and short-term lets into scope, increasing the coverage of energy certificates.

Training and Standards for Energy Assessors

The consultation highlights the importance of upskilling energy assessors. This includes both the training required for initial qualification and ongoing professional development. Key proposals include:

  • Tightening the criteria for certification.
  • Introducing optional, specialised training for complex assessments, such as heritage buildings.

These measures aim to ensure high standards and consistent quality in energy assessments.

Timeline for Implementation

The consultation is running for 12 weeks, from 4th December 2024 to 26th February 2025. The government expects to introduce an updated Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations (EPBR) in early 2026, with changes to EPC metrics anticipated in the latter half of 2026.

What Does This Mean for You?

For property owners, landlords, and businesses, these changes signal a shift toward greater accountability and actionable energy data. Key takeaways include:

  • Financial clarity: New metrics like energy cost and carbon emissions will help you prioritise investments in energy efficiency.
  • Broader obligations: With the potential expansion of EPC requirements, more properties—especially rented and heritage ones—will need up-to-date certifications.
  • Improved standards: Enhanced training for assessors ensures more reliable and informative EPCs.

Final Thoughts

The proposed changes to EPCs represent a significant evolution in how energy performance is measured, reported, and acted upon in the UK. By aligning certificates with net-zero goals and making them more consumer-focused, the government is creating tools that not only inform but also drive action.

Stay tuned for updates and make sure you’re prepared for the upcoming changes—whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or part of the energy sector, these developments will impact you.

For further insights or advice on energy efficiency and compliance, contact us today.

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