Energy Performance Certificate.

Click here for an example of an Energy Performance Certificate.

We are all aware that global warming is becoming a very important factor in our lives and we are also very aware that energy prices have increased massively of late. Domestic properties account for approximately one third of all the UK's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions therefore it is seen as a major contributor to global warming.

Under European legislation it will be a legal requirement for anyone selling (on the open market) a domestic property to compile an EPC before the property can be marketed - Rented properties will also require an EPC in the near future.

Details of the properties energy performance must be included with the properties particulars at the time the property is marketed, it is therefore very important that the EPC is carried out as soon as possible after the decision to sell is made. The full EPC should be included in the Home Inspection Pack (HIP) along with the legal documentation regarding the property. Government legislation now makes it a legal requirement for anyone selling a domestic property to compile a Home Information Pack (HIP) before placing the property on the market.

The EPC report will provide you with an energy efficiency rating and an environmental impact rating for the property as it stands on the day of the inspection and will make recommendations as to what can be done to improve them both.

The recommended improvements are split in to categories of cost and it is your choice which ones are cost effective for you to undertake should you wish to do so.

The energy rating given can be compared to "miles per gallon (mpg)" for a car. The energy report also includes energy saving measures that could be taken to reduce the household bills.

These include general recommendations applicable to us all and specific points for that individual property.

The proposed measures are recommendations only and a guide price to the possible savings is also given.

The overall efficiency is shown on a colour bar chart similar to that seen on a new fridge or freezer. The average rating of a new build property is also shown as comparison. Additionally the potential rating if the recommended measures are implemented can also be seen.