Energy Performance Certificates have been introduced by the government to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This is part of a series of measure across Europe aimed at reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change. By law from 2008 in UK, people who are buying or selling a home would need a EPC in place showing a rating from A – G for the particular property. The most efficient energy building been shown at A and least efficient been shown at G.
The actual assessment of the building needs to be carried out by an energy assessor who also produces a report that suggests the improvements that need to be made to make the building more energy efficient. Energy assessors are also responsible for producing Display Energy Certificates and Air Conditioning Reports hence must have the appropriate qualification to carry out the work.
To perform the assessment the assessor would need to visit the property itself and collect information on the dimensions, construction and heating and hot water provision. The time taken for the assessment varies according to the size of the building and the purpose. The information gathered is then fed into a computer system which then produces the EPC and recommendation report.
