Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – Energy Saving Grants | Government Grants for Energy Efficiency

Energy Performance Certificate

What are Energy Performance Certificates?

Energy Performance Certificates (or EPCs as they are commonly known) were introduced in 2007 and they rate the energy efficiency of a property from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient).

EPCs are required for the sale and rental of residences in the UK and they are also used to determine which properties can qualify for Government grants. EPCs have been effective at raising awareness about the importance of energy efficiency in homes.

An EPC is valid for ten years, after which a new survey of the property must be carried out and a new certificate issued.

How is the Energy Rating of the property calculated?

A certified energy assessor will look at a number of factors when carrying out a survey of the property. These include the construction type, the type of heating in the property and the age of the heating system, the depth of insulation in the loft, the glazing and also whether any renewable energy systems such as solar panels are installed. The assessor will also draw a floorplan of the property and take measurements to calculate the total area of the dwelling. The information is then input into a computer which generates the energy rating of the property. The software will also generate a list of improvements which can be made to the property to increase its energy rating.

How are Energy Performance Certificates used for grant schemes?

The Government is increasingly using EPCs as the basis for energy efficiency policies and targets. The EPC is an excellent tool for promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. With most grant schemes, such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, the funding is allocated to properties which have the lowest EPC ratings; as these homes are the least energy efficient and are generally the most expensive to heat. Funding is generally allocated to properties which have an EPC rating of E, F or G although in some cases we may be able to obtain a grant for solar panels to be installed on a property if the EPC has a rating of D60 or below. If the current EPC rating is A, B or C then unfortunately we would be unable to obtain any grant for the property.

How do I find out the Energy Performance Certificate rating of my property?

If your property has previously had an energy assessment, the certificate will be available to view and download from the Government database. For properties in England and Wales the EPC database can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate For properties in Scotland the EPC register can be accessed here: https://www.scottishepcregister.org.uk If your property does not have an EPC, or if the certificate is expired and you would like an up to date energy audit, please enter your details in the form below and an energy advisor will be in contact with you.