Currently existing building's that are to be sold - it is the building's owner that is responsible for ensuring an Energy Performance Certificate is made available.

It would be beneficial if these were available at the earliest opportunity as this can help potential buyers to make an informed decision on the property they will purchase with regard to the energy and carbon emission rating of the property.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and recommendation report should be available by the seller to a prospective buyer and attached to the property details as supplied by the Estate Agent etc.

Estate Agents and Solicitors will require a valid EPC being available prior to the completion on a property sale.

But you don't have to be selling your home to have an EPC completed - it's a great way for you to understand the energy use of your home and how to reduce it, thereby saving on energy bills along with helping to save our planet! Some simple, relatively inexpensive changes can make a big difference.

Energy Performance Certificates are produced using standard methods with standard assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type.

This Will...

• Provide information to prospective purchasers to help them judge the energy efficiency of their new home
• Provide an opportunity to stimulate purchaser interest to invest in energy conservation measures
• Provide information to prospective owners or tenants on the expected running costs of a building, apartment, etc
• Assist in reducing your fuel costs
• Assist in reducing fuel usage for the long term
• Assist in reducing the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions

The Energy Performance Certificate is a report consisting of 5 - 8 pages, depending on the dimensions of the building surveyed.

It incorporates both the

• Energy Efficiency Rating
  Coloured rating scale
• Environmental Impact Rating (C02)
  Blue rating scale detailing the information specific to each building surveyed.

Examples of certificates

(Please note that the information is for illustrative purposes only)

• Domestic
  Existing domestic - Example
  New domestic - Example
• Non-Domestic
  Non-Domestic - Example

The data specific to the building is given in a Reduced Data SAP Rating summary at the end of the certificate. A SAP Rating is a detailed measurement of the energy efficiency of a building. It is required under 2006 Building Regulations.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are now effective in Northern Ireland in line with the EU Directive 2002/91/EC on the Energy Performance of Buildings.

The new legislation has been introduced and requires that a certificate is made available to the owner or the prospective buyer or tenant when a building is constructed, sold or rented out.

The requirements will come into effect from

The Background

The objective of the EU Directive 2002/91/EC on the Energy Performance of Buildings is to promote the energy performance of buildings within the European Community taking into account outdoor climatic and local conditions as well as indoor climate requirements and cost-effectiveness.

Our buildings are responsible for almost 50% of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions. Hence the EU Directive was brought into force on 16 December 2002 as each member state were required to address the increasing C02 emissions and energy demand throughout the EU.

The EU directive is the result of European legislation - the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive - which all member states must adopt. This came from the UK Government's support of the Kyoto Protocol of which a key objective is targeted to the reduction of carbon emissions and reducing the energy consumption attributable to buildings.

The Kyoto Protocol came into effect on the 16th February 2005 and provides the first ever framework for international action with binding targets and timetables for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Kyoto Protocol requires the European Union to cut its C02 emissions by 8% between 1990 and 2012.

By 30th December 2008 all properties - homes and commercial - when sold, built or rented will need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Public buildings will also need to display an Energy Performance Certificate (DEC).

To safeguard consumers the Energy Performance Certificate can only be completed by an accredited Energy Assessor.

Energy Assessors should hold a current qualification in energy inspection and hold membership of an Accreditation scheme; this demonstrates the relevant technical competence to produce a certificate on an ongoing basis.

The EPC Company will only use qualified and registered Domestic Energy Assessors.

During the assessment the energy assessor will collect information on the property such as..

• Approximate age of the property
• Dates of any extensions
• The main space heating system
• The main water heating system
• Cavity wall insulation
• Habitable Rooms
• Floor area

Roofs / Walls for Main dwelling and any extensions

• Construction type
• Insulation type
• Insulation depth / thickness

Windows

• Single or Double Glazing Type
• Age of the Double Glazed units

Lighting

• Low Energy Lights
• Standard Lights

Heating

• Oil / Gas
• Emitters - Radiators / Under Floor
• Heating Controls
• Secondary Heating Systems / Number of Fireplaces

The survey will also incorporate elements in the building such as renewable energy etc.

We would be on site for approximately 1-2 hours to complete the survey of the property. The calculations are then completed at our office and the EPC can be produced within 24 hours.

The EPC can be sent to you either by post or electronically. Alternatively you can download the EPC from the national register epbniregister.com

The cost of an EPC will vary on the size, type and location of the property.

To find out an average cost for your EPC, please contact us for a quote.