trading standards


What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

An EPC is the governments chosen way of complying with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Its purpose is to record how energy efficient a property is. The certificate will provide a rating of the energy efficiency and CO2 emissions of a building and these will be displayed on a graph very similar to those found on new electrical appliances such as fridges, etc.

How long is an EPC valid

Under current legislation an EPC is valid for 10 years.

Which properties require an EPC

All commercial and domestic buildings being sold or rented require an EPC. There are however some exceptions and these are:

  • Buildings which are used primarily or solely as places of worship
  • Temporary buildings with a planned use time of two years or less
  • Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand
  • Stand alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m2 which are not dwellings
  • Dwellings with relevant planning permission for demolition
  • Any building that has been listed by English Heritage.
  • Residential buildings that are intended to be used less than four months of the year.