EPC’s will also be required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings which have a floor area greater than 10,000m².
Energy Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a building is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient buildings, which should have the lowest fuel bills, are in band A.
The certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the building has on the environment. Better-rated buildings should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The average house in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The certificate will include recommendations on ways to improve the home’s energy efficiency to save money and help the environment.
From 1 July 2008 the requirement to obtain Energy Performance Certificates will be extended to include the construction, sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings with a floor area over 2,500m².
From 1 October 2008 EPC’s will be required on the sale or rent of all remaining dwellings and all other buildings.
How are Building Regulations affected?
After 1 April 2008 Building Control will not be able to issue a completion certificate, for dwellings created as new build or a change of use, unless it is satisfied that a developer has obtained an appropriate EPC and declares, by way of a notice, that this has been/will be passed on to the new owner.
Similar arrangements will be in place for non-domestic buildings completed after the relevant dates.
The European Law
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates And Inspections) (England And Wales) Regulations 2007 were made on 29 March 2007 and came into force over the period from 19 April 2007 to 1 October 2008.These Regulations implement Articles contained in the 2002/91/EC (EPBD); in England and Wales.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) came into force on 4th January 2003. The objective of the EPBD is to promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings within the European Community.
Implementing the EPBD will encourage owners and tenants to choose energy efficient buildings when seeking new accommodation and to improve the performance of buildings they occupy. Implementation of the Directive is seen as an important contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions as part of the UK climate change programme.
Large buildings accessible to the public
After 1 October 2008 all large buildings (over 1000 m² in total useful floor area) occupied by public authorities, or providing services to the public - leisure centres, municipal buildings, hospitals etc – must also display an EPC which must be on view to all who use the building.
Who provides an EPC?
EPCs can only be obtained from qualified energy assessors who are registered on an approved accreditation scheme. EPCs will look similar to those currently used for certain types of energy using appliances such as cookers, fridges etc.
More information on Energy Performance Certificates (external link) can be found on the Department for Communities and Local Government’s web page.
This bulletin provides advice on a particular aspect of the Building Regulations. It is not a statement of law, but is intended to help you to understand the system. Building Regulations are changed from time to time. If you did not receive this directly from Wigan Council’s Building Control section you must check that the information is still current.
We are here to help. If you are in any doubt over the requirements of the Building Regulations, or if you need further information, please telephone or visit our office.
