REGULATION


EPC rules – the hot potato The new regulations regarding EPCs are here – so what are the key changes and why have they been introduced – and what new details are emerging? Says Stephen O’Hara, Chairman of PEPA.


F


rom the 6th April new regulations regarding the commissioning and displaying of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have come into


force. The changes aim to help improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s buildings by providing consumers with more upfront and useful information about the energy efficiency of any property they are planning to buy or rent. Under these new regulations, agents are


required to take on further responsibilities with regards to the securing and presenting of EPCs for both residential and commercial buildings available for sale or rent. Following further clarification from


Government surrounding the changes, Stephen O’Hara , Chairman of PEPA, the Property Energy Professionals Association draws out some of the key changes as detailed in the Government’s latest note on the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations and looks to address some of your frequently asked questions.


THE KEY CHANGES 1. Clarifi cation of when an EPC is required – Regulation 5


It is now a legal requirement that the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is provided at the very earliest opportunity. The EPC must be delivered no later than whichever of the following actions takes place first: When the relevant person (e.g. the agent) provides information in writing about the building to a person who has requested it When a pre-arranged viewing of the building takes place The change is intended to counter a common misconception that the EPC


Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)


17 Any Street, District, Any Town, B5 5XX Dwelling type:


Detached house


Date of assessment: 15 August 2011 Date of certificate: 12 December 2011


Use this document to:


• Compare current ratings of properties to see which properties are more energy efficient • Find out how you can save energy and money by installing improvement measures Estimated energy costs of dwelling for 3 years


Over 3 years you could save


Estimated energy costs of this home Current costs


Lighting Heating


Hot water


£375 over 3 years £4,443 over 3 years £549 over 3 years


Totals £5,367


Potential costs £207 over 3 years £2,067 over 3 years £330 over 3 years £2,604


£5,367 £2,763


Potential future savings


You could save £2,763 over 3 years


These figures show how much the average household would spend in this property for heating, lighting and hot water. This excludes energy use for running appliances like TVs, computers and cookers, and any electricity generated by microgeneration.


Energy Efficiency Rating Very energy efficient - lower running costs ( A


92 plus) (81-91) (69-80) (55-68) (39-54) (21-38) (1-20)


B C D E F G Not energy efficient - higher running costs


Top actions you can take to save money and make your home more efficient Recommended measures


1 Increase loft insulation to 270 mm 2 Cavity wall insulation 3 Draughtproofing


See page 3 for a full list of recommendations for this property.


When the Green Deal launches, it may allow you to make your home warmer and cheaper to run at no up-front cost. To find out more, contact the Green Deal Advice Service on 0800 XXX XXX or visit www.greendealadvice.org.


Page 1 of 4


can legitimately be delayed until shortly before both parties enter into a contract for sale or rent.


2. The requirement to commission an EPC before marketing – Regulation 5A The requirements around EPCs for


residential properties marketed for sale have now been extended to include residential properties marketed for rent and for all commercial buildings available for sale or rent. The revised regulations now state that the person acting on behalf of the seller or


PROPERTYdrum MAY 2012 49


Indicative cost £100 - £350


£500 - £1,500 £80 - £120


Typical savings over 3 years


£141 £537 £78


49 75 Current Potential


The graph shows the current energy efficiency of your home.


The higher the rating the lower your fuel bills are likely to be.


The potential rating shows the effect of undertaking the recommendations on page 3.


The average energy efficiency rating for a dwelling in England and Wales is band D (rating 60).


Reference number: 0000-0000-0000-0000-0000 Type of assessment: RdSAP, existing dwelling 165 m²


Total floor area:


Debate still rages on about the EPC being included in every document that constitutes ‘written


particulars’.


Available with Green Deal


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