Govt consulting on changes to EPCs

The government is consulting on a big upgrade to energy performance certificates (EPCs). Its proposed changes will see EPCs move away from a single headline figure to multiple measures that reflect the building’s performance more completely.

It’s suggesting that domestic EPCs should use four headline metrics: fabric performance, heating system, smart-readiness and energy cost. Other measures – such as energy use –  would provide secondary information. It reckons the change will convey the key aspects of building energy performance so that people can understand where their home performs more or less well.

What does good look like?
The government says a well-performing home should have a good level of insulation and a low overall energy demand intensity, which can be measured by fabric performance. It should be efficiently heated using low-carbon energy sources, which can be demonstrated via a heating system metric.

Where possible, if a home can generate its own electricity and be able to be flexible with its energy use, it can minimise its impact on the electricity grid: the smart readiness metric can show how able the property achieves this.

The proposed changes to EPCs are part of a wider consultation on reforming the Energy Performance of Buildings framework, covering England and Wales. The outcomes are likely to apply in Northern Ireland. Scotland has already consulted on proposals for reforming EPC ratings and validity.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) says it will carry out comprehensive research to better understand user needs and preferences. It wants to make sure that EPCs are presented in a way that aligns with climate objectives and consumer expectations.

The government says it recognises that new metrics will need to be presented clearly, enable comparisons, offer improvement guidance, support compliance and incentivise energy efficiency. They will need clear and actionable energy performance information. All changes to EPC layout and presentation will involve user testing.

Non-domestic
Non-domestic EPCs are proposed to maintain carbon as their single headline metric, although the government says it may consider adding new measurements over time.

What do EPCs do?
EPC ratings are used as the basis for energy efficiency targets, for regulatory requirements such as minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for the private rented sector (PRS) and as an eligibility requirement for funding, such as in the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund. The government says the EPC will remain an important tool for delivering the Warm Homes Plan, which aims to save families money and contribute to the UK meeting its climate targets, including by setting new standards for privately rented homes by 2030.

The consultation will close on 26 February 2025 and you can take part here.