Energy performance certificates (EPC's)
All new houses and apartments and non domestic
buildings are required to provide an Energy Performance
Certificate (EPC) upon completion of the work and this must be
passed to the new owner.
Buildings modified to form houses, apartments and other
non domestic buildings are also required to provide an Energy
Performance Certificate where the modification involves the
provision or extension of heating, hot water, air conditioning or
mechanical ventilation services.
How are Building Regulations affected?
Building Control are not able to issue a completion
certificate, for non-domestic buildings or dwellings created as new
build or a change of use, unless it is satisfied that a developer
has obtained an appropriate EPC and declares, by way of a notice,
that this has been or will be passed on to the new owner.
EPC's also include a recommendation report on how further
energy improvements could be made which is seen as an important
contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Large
buildings accessible to the public
All large buildings (over 1000m2 in total useful
floor area) occupied by public authorities, or providing services
to the public, such as leisure centres, municipal
buildings, hospitals and so on, must also display an EPC
which must be on view to all who use the building.
Who provides an EPC?
EPC's can only be obtained from qualified energy assessors who
are registered on an approved accreditation scheme. EPC's look
similar to those currently used for certain types of energy using
appliances such as cookers and fridges. More information is
available on the Communities and Local
Government website.