What is it?

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) came from the EU and has been delivered to all countries. It requires all buildings to have an energy performance rating which goes towards an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). We’ve all seen these with buildings and they tell you in very broad terms how energy efficient a building is.

Is this affected by Brexit?

Brexit is finally here although we still won’t know the exact form it will take until the end of the year as the Government attempts to negotiate a new trade deal with the EU. However, it is unlikely that the Government will take any action to scrap or water down the directive.

The climate emergency is big news and every country is committed to achieving dramatic reductions in their energy emissions, even if we’re still lagging far behind in practical terms. What this does mean, though, is that all buildings in the UK must be as energy efficient and high quality as possible.

If anything, therefore, the Government is likely to strengthen the requirements of the EPBD, making it even more rigorous and demanding. New buildings, at the very least, will be under pressure to have the best possible EPC rating.

How does it affect homeowners?

An EPC is required for the sale or rental of any residential or commercial property. If you’re a landlord of a residential or commercial building, therefore, you will need to get an EPC if you want to lease it.

If you plan to sell a house or rent it out, you will need an EPC. There is no getting around it. 

Where can I get one?

There are several ways to obtain an EPC. Many people will log onto the internet to find an EPC provider, such as Carbon Green, or look on the Government register which contains a list of EPC providers. 

Many estate agents will have their own EPC assessors in house or work with an agency. Commercial landlords are more likely to use an agency because this is a specialist area which requires a high degree of expertise, something which is not always easy to achieve in house.

Process

Once a provider has been instructed, a surveyor will conduct a site survey. The results will be inputted into Government software and a certificate will be issued. Problems may arise if the rating is below an E.

If you’re a landlord, you need a rating of E or higher in order to legally rent out your property. If it is lower, you will need to make changes to the property to bring it in line with requirements. This a particular problem for landlords renting older properties as these may require substantial improvements to achieve the minimum rating.

This is where a specialised EPC consultancy such as Carbon Green can really come into our own. We can advise you on ways to upgrade your property in the most cost-effective manner. It reduces the cost burden of compliance and makes it easier to ensure your buildings are in line with the cleaner and more efficient buildings the Government wants to create. 

What is it?

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) came from the EU and has been delivered to all countries. It requires all buildings to have an energy performance rating which goes towards an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). We’ve all seen these with buildings and they tell you in very broad terms how energy efficient a building is.

Is this affected by Brexit?

Brexit is finally here although we still won’t know the exact form it will take until the end of the year as the Government attempts to negotiate a new trade deal with the EU. However, it is unlikely that the Government will take any action to scrap or water down the directive.

The climate emergency is big news and every country is committed to achieving dramatic reductions in their energy emissions, even if we’re still lagging far behind in practical terms. What this does mean, though, is that all buildings in the UK must be as energy efficient and high quality as possible.

If anything, therefore, the Government is likely to strengthen the requirements of the EPBD, making it even more rigorous and demanding. New buildings, at the very least, will be under pressure to have the best possible EPC rating.

How does it affect homeowners?

An EPC is required for the sale or rental of any residential or commercial property. If you’re a landlord of a residential or commercial building, therefore, you will need to get an EPC if you want to lease it.

If you plan to sell a house or rent it out, you will need an EPC. There is no getting around it. 

Where can I get one?

There are several ways to obtain an EPC. Many people will log onto the internet to find an EPC provider, such as Carbon Green, or look on the Government register which contains a list of EPC providers. 

Many estate agents will have their own EPC assessors in house or work with an agency. Commercial landlords are more likely to use an agency because this is a specialist area which requires a high degree of expertise, something which is not always easy to achieve in house.

Process

Once a provider has been instructed, a surveyor will conduct a site survey. The results will be inputted into Government software and a certificate will be issued. Problems may arise if the rating is below an E.

If you’re a landlord, you need a rating of E or higher in order to legally rent out your property. If it is lower, you will need to make changes to the property to bring it in line with requirements. This a particular problem for landlords renting older properties as these may require substantial improvements to achieve the minimum rating.

This is where a specialised EPC consultancy such as Carbon Green can really come into our own. We can advise you on ways to upgrade your property in the most cost-effective manner. It reduces the cost burden of compliance and makes it easier to ensure your buildings are in line with the cleaner and more efficient buildings the Government wants to create.