An EPC certificate is a document that states a building’s energy efficiency rating from A to G, with ‘A’ being the most efficient and ‘G’ being the least efficient. An EPC certificate is extremely important as it indicates the energy costs associated with the building, as well as highlighting the building’s impact on the environment.  

Here, we’ll discuss in detail the importance of obtaining an EPC certificate and why businesses need to invest in one.    

EPC energy certificate  

The premise of EPC certificates is to boost the energy efficiency of a building and to reduce carbon emissions. EPC certificates were introduced under regulations such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations in the UK.  

These regulations state that buildings need to have an EPC certificate when constructed, rented out or sold so that a building’s energy efficiency is communicated to potential buyers or tenants in a transparent manner.

Why were EPC certificates introduced?

EPC certificates were introduced to offer consumers transparency in understanding the energy performance and potential running costs of a building. EPC certificates are standardised in their ratings, which supports this notion.  

Also, EPC certificates identify room for improvement for buildings, which encourages building owners to invest in upgrades such as insulation, renewable energy installations, or efficient heating systems. They act as an incentive for property owners.  

The more efficient a building is, the less energy it will consume, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to national and international climate targets. Also, energy-efficient buildings tend to have higher market appeal and value, creating an incentive for ongoing improvements.

In essence, the legal requirement for obtaining an EPC energy certificate ensures that energy efficiency becomes a key consideration in property transactions, driving both economic and environmental benefits.  

What does an EPC certificate include  

An EPC certificate usually includes the following components:

• Overall energy rating:  A rating on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) that summarises the building’s energy performance.

• Detailed breakdown: Information on the building’s insulation, heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting systems, which explains how each component affects the overall rating.

• Carbon emissions data: Estimates of the property’s carbon dioxide emissions, providing insight into its environmental impact.

• Improvement recommendations: Specific suggestions for upgrades or changes - such as enhanced insulation, more efficient heating systems, or the installation of renewable energy solutions - that can improve energy efficiency and lower running costs.

• Cost implications: An estimation of typical energy costs, which helps property owners and potential tenants or buyers understand the financial benefits of energy efficiency improvements.

• Legal and technical information: Details about the assessment methodology and any relevant legal information regarding the certificate’s validity and requirements.

Understanding the different elements of an EPC certificate will give you the knowledge needed to make improvements to your building so that your overall energy rating will improve.  

Who needs an EPC certificate?  

Not all buildings are required to obtain an EPC certificate, however, there are certain scenarios in which an EPC certificate is a legal requirement. For example, a building that is being rented outdoors, a building that has been under construction and is now complete, and if there is separate occupation in the building where extended climate control is needed.  

You’ll need to display an EPC certificate on your property if the floor area of the property is bigger than 500 square metres, if the building is frequently visited by the public, or if the EPC certificate has already been issued for the building during the sale or rental of the property.  

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There will also be times when you’ll need to get a new EPC certificate, for example, when:  

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• If the property is being sold or rented out  

• If an ECP certificate has expired (certificates last up to 10 years)

• If any significant renovations have been made to the property (upgrades to the insulation of the property, installation of sustainable energy solutions, heating system improvements)

• If the building is being used in a different way from its original use, for example, if a commercial building is now being used for residential purposes

Understanding an EPC energy certificate  

EPC energy certificates may be a little tricky to understand at first, but we’re here to help you get the best use out of your EPC certificate and to properly implement the suggested improvements or recommendations.  

Look at the rating

Once your building has been assessed by a qualified assessor, it will be given a rating from A to G. We have already mentioned that an A rating means that a building is the most energy efficient and that being given a G rating means that the building is the least energy efficient.  

Component breakdown

If you feel that there is an area for improvement, you’ll need to look at each component of the building, for example, the heating system or the insulation,  and how it contributed to the overall rating of the building. Once you have done this, you’ll be able to figure out where your areas for improvement are, which will help you decide on your next steps forward.  

CO2 emissions

This area of the certificate will help you understand the impact your building has on the environment. It will also help you understand the running costs and the energy usage of your building.  

Improvement recommendations  

The assessor will then give you a list of recommendations on how you can improve the energy rating of your building. Take a careful look at these and begin to think about how you can implement these improvements for the betterment of your building. These recommendations will always be tailored to your building.  

Estimated energy costs

Next, you’ll need to look at the estimated annual energy costs of your building so that you can tie this in with your annual expenditure.  

Also, make sure that you take note of the expiry date of your new EPC certificate so that you know when you’ll next need to have an assessment done. We also recommend that you read through all the technical and legal information so that you’re aware of the assessment methodology and legal requirements for energy efficiency. By doing this, you’ll ensure that you’re complying with any relevant energy efficiency requirements.  

How to improve your EPC energy certificate rating  

As we mentioned earlier, there will be specific recommendations given to you that are tailored to your building that will need to be implemented to improve its energy efficiency. Some of these recommendations usually include:  

• Insulation improvements (loft, walls and floor insulation)  

• Implementing heating system upgrades (boiler replacement, heating controls, radiator upgrades)  

• Making sure windows and doors are double or triple-glazed and  draught-proofing  

• Making use of renewable energy sources (solar panels, solar water heating, heat pumps)  

• Using LED lighting  

• Using water heating (hot water tank insulation, water-saving fixtures)  

• Using energy-efficient appliances  

• Using smart ventilation systems  

• Implementing the energy usage recommendations given to you

• Monitoring your energy usage through smart meters and monitors

Starting the EPC energy certificate assessment process is a worthwhile investment, and it will help you on your journey towards a more energy-efficient building.  

For more information on sustainable energy solutions, contact our team at Sustain Solar Commercial on 0333 880 0891 today!

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