With COP27 and the UK's Net Zero strategy taking centre stage in the news, sustainability in the property industry has become a hot topic. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings were created to help homeowners evaluate a building's energy efficiency and carbon emissions.

In this blog post, we'll be taking a look at EPC ratings - what they are, how they are calculated, and some steps you can take to make your home more energy-efficient. So, whether you're a homeowner, tenant, or just interested in sustainability, read on to learn more about this important topic!

What is an EPC?

EPCs are a nifty rating system that evaluates a home's energy efficiency, and the UK government relies on them to monitor carbon emissions reduction and progress towards climate change targets. As a result, they are becoming increasingly crucial in lowering the UK's carbon footprint, promoting energy efficiency, and making energy bills more affordable for occupants.

EPCs are like report cards that grade a building's energy efficiency. They rate properties on a scale from A to G, with A being the best and G being the worst. The rating is based on a bunch of different factors that affect energy performance, like the type of building, insulation, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and appliances. In a nutshell, EPCs tell you how much carbon your building emits, and how energy efficient it is

And the best part is that EPCs can also show you how much carbon emissions are linked to these factors, so you know what to improve if you want to reduce/or make more informed decisions about your overall environmental impact.

Why are EPC ratings important?

Did you know that EPCs can actually help you save money on energy bills? By identifying areas for improvement, such as increasing insulation levels or upgrading heating/cooling systems, EPCs can boost the energy efficiency of your home. This means you'll need less energy to maintain a comfortable living space, which translates into lower bills. EPCs even provide recommendations for specific improvements that can help reduce energy consumption and lower bills over time.

In the UK, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required for most properties when they are built, sold or rented. Make sure to get the EPC before you put your property on the market, and be ready to show it to potential buyers or tenants. It's worth noting that landlords can't rent out a property with an EPC rating lower than E. This rule applies to new tenancies, and from April 1, 2023, it will also apply to existing tenancies. Oh, and by the way, new tenancies will need to meet a minimum EPC rating of Band C by April 1, 2025. So, if you own a property or are a landlord, make sure you stay up-to-date with these regulations to avoid any potential penalties.

How are EPC Ratings Calculated?

Several factors are taken into account when calculating an EPC score. These factors can vary slightly depending on your region, but generally include:

• Hot water systems: The type of hot water system installed and its efficiency, such as boilers or electric water heaters.
• Lighting: The energy efficiency of the lighting fixtures, including the type of bulbs used and whether lighting controls are in place.
• Building fabrics: This includes the materials and construction methods used for the walls, roof, and floor of the building, as well as the level of insulation and air sealing.
• Appliances: The energy efficiency of appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers.
• Renewable energy sources: The use of renewable energy sources, like solar panels or wind turbines, to generate electricity or heat is also factored in when determining the EPC rating.
• Heating/ cooling systems: The type of system installed in the building and its level of efficiency, such as boilers, heat pumps, or air conditioning units.

An accredited energy assessor uses a standardised formula to calculate the rating, and after inspecting the building, they'll register your home and suggest ways to improve it.

The grading of EPCs follow a points system structured as follows:

Improving Energy Efficiency

If you're eager to reduce your carbon footprint, there are plenty of simple and practical ways to improve your home's EPC rating. For example, you could beef up your insulation, upgrade your heating system, or install double-glazed windows. If you're feeling ambitious, you might even consider generating your own renewable energy! And of course, using energy-efficient appliances like washing machines or LED lighting is a great way to cut down on your energy usage.

How long does an EPC last?

If you're wondering “how long do EPCs last for in the UK”?, the good news is that you don't have to worry about renewing the report for 10 years. Once an EPC is issued, its evaluation remains valid for a decade, giving property owners, renters, and potential buyers a comprehensive understanding of the property's energy efficiency performance. It's worth noting that an EPC may need to be updated or renewed if any significant changes are made to the property's structure or energy efficiency measures during the 10-year validity period. It's definitely worth doing so, though, because you'll want to stay on top of and maintain your property's energy efficiency rating.

All in all...

To sum it up, EPC ratings are key to promoting energy efficiency and lowering the carbon footprint of home’s in the UK. By learning about a home’s energy performance, owners and occupants can make informed choices that help reduce energy usage and improve efficiency. Plus, following the recommendations outlined in EPC ratings can lead to lower energy bills, making your life more environmentally friendly and budget-friendly.

If you want to see the EPC ratings of UK properties, you can download the Nokkel app here and find the information on all the residences with EPC data available now.