Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the timetable for implementing the measures?
The legislation for EPBD will be laid in Parliament in March 2007 and will come into force in a phased manner between 6 April 2007 and 4 January 2009.
The roll-out will be phased by building sector. It will be designed to ensure the availability of sufficient qualified inspectors before placing a requirement on a particular sector to undertake certification.
Please see When the measures are being introduced for further information.
2. What are the benefits to me as a landlord?
The energy rating can help rent out your property. They indicate to a prospective buyer or tenant how energy efficient your home is. It should also provide information that may help to reduce the running cost of the property.
3. Who is responsible for obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate?
For buildings that are to be sold, the building's owner will be responsible for ensuring a certificate is available; this should be shown, on request, to any prospective purchaser, and should in any case be provided by the owner to the ultimate purchaser before a contract for sale is made.
4. What buildings will be exempt from providing Energy Performance Certificates?
The following buildings are exempt from requiring an EPC:
Places of worship,
Stand-alone buildings of less than 50 square metres (except for dwellings),
Temporary buildings with a planned time of use of 2 years or less,
Particular buildings with low energy demand (e.g. barns).
In certain limited circumstances buildings to be demolished are exempt from requiring a certificate.
An Energy Performance Certificate is not required for any (off-plan) sales or lettings before the construction of the building has been completed.
5. Will the implementation of EPBD be different between homes and commercial buildings?
The Directive itself makes no distinction between the two. There will need to be some practical differences - for example the methodology for certification will need to be different to reflect differences in the way in which homes and commercial property are built and used, but wherever possible we are seeking to minimise the differences. We have already developed a detailed approach for the Energy Performance Certificate that forms part of the HIP for the marketed sales of dwellings. Wherever relevant this will form the model that will be applied in other sectors, such as private rented dwellings, social housing and commercial buildings.
6. How much will Energy Performance Certificates cost?
The price of an energy performance certificate will be set by the market and not by Government. We expect these costs to vary according to the size, type and location of the property.
The current predicted cost of a standalone Energy Performance Certificate for an 'average' home is approximately £100. However, market forces will determine the actual price.
For other buildings, the cost will clearly depend on the size and complexity of the building.
7. Will Energy Performance Certificates be required for rented accomodation?
Yes. The EU requires that Energy Performance Certificates will need to be provided for all buildings when they are constructed, sold or rented.
8. How long will it take to perform an energy assessment?
The time taken to perform an energy assessment will vary according to the size and nature of the property. It is predicted that it will take about the same time as performing a housing valuation report. Because of the wide variation of commercial buildings, any form of 'average time' would not be meaningful.
9. Is an Energy Performance Certificate required for the private sale of a home between two individuals?
Yes. The EU Directive requires that Energy Performance Certificates will need to be provided for all buildings when they are constructed, sold or rented out. A new Energy Performance Certificate will be required for the Home Information Pack. Where the Energy Performance Certificate is provided separately from a Home Information Pack an existing Energy Performance Certificate may be used as long as it is still valid.
10. What happens if my home gets a low rating?
This simply indicates your home could be more energy efficient. During the inspection a number of recommendations to improve the energy efficiency will be identified. Implementation of these could not only increase your rating and reduce carbon emmissions but also save money on energy bills. It is up to you whether you implement the recommendations or not.
www.commercialenergyperformancecertificates.co..uk - Directory of Energy Assessors - Commercial Buildings