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RoyJudge.com |
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These certificates are for all buildings and will be required whenever a building is constructed, converted, rented or sold. The EPC (page 1 of 6 shown right) is broadly similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. Its purpose is to record how energy efficient a property is as a building. The certificate will provide a rating of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient. EPCs are produced using standard methods with standard assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type. This allows prospective buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers and purchasers to see information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions from their building so they can consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of their investment. An EPC is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures (such as low and zero carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating of the building. The certificate is also accompanied by information about the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented. When are assessments required? An Energy Performance Certificate is only required when a building is constructed, sold or rented out. An EPC is valid for 10 years, except for sales of homes which are subject to the Home Information Pack Regulations 2007, where a Home Information Pack (HIP) is required. In these cases an EPC must be no more than 12 months old when the property is first marketed. On Construction When the construction of a new building is completed, the builder or person responsible for the construction is responsible for obtaining the certificate and providing it to the owner. This is a duty under Building Regulations. This will also apply if a building is converted into fewer or more units and there are changes to the heating, hot water provision or air conditioning/ ventilation services. Homes will require an EPC on construction or such conversion from 6 April 2008. Some commercial buildings will require an EPC on construction or such conversion from this date. On Sale For existing buildings that are to be sold, the building's owner is responsible for ensuring a certificate is made available to all prospective purchasers at the earliest opportunity. For the marketed sales of homes, including homes marketed before they are physically complete (i.e. off plan), Home Information Pack (HIP) regulations apply. Where a HIP is required an Energy Performance Certificate must be produced as part of the pack (for off plan homes this will be an indicative energy assessment). On this website, references to marketed sales of homes mean marketed sales of homes which are physically complete when marketed. Homes sold without marketing for sale e.g. by private treaty between family members or Local Authority housing will require an EPC on sale from 1 October 2008. On Rent When buildings are to be rented out, the landlord is responsible for ensuring a valid certificate is made available to all prospective tenants. Homes will require an EPC on rent from 1 October 2008. |
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Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)