What Is The Government’s Consultation on Buildings’ EPCs About?
The government recently launched a consultation with regards to the various energy performance certificates for buildings.
On 4 December 2024, the government began a consultation on possible changes to EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates), DECs (Display Energy Certificates), and ACIRs (Air Conditioning Inspection Reports) in England and Wales.
The consultation is designed to find ways to improve these documents and make them clearer for all users. The goal is to ensure these certificates enable owners and occupiers to make informed decisions on investment and how best to improve the energy performance of buildings.
In order for the government to meet its clean power target by 2030 and net zero by 2050, it acknowledges that changes are needed to the existing rules.
What Are The Existing EPC Rules?
As a guide, the current rules on the energy performance of buildings, include:
- EPCs are valid for 10 years
- EPCs are only required at the point of a sale or lease, so often outdated
- DECs are required by some public authority buildings
- ACIRs are obligatory for any air conditioning systems of a certain output
What Are The Goals Of The Consultation?
The consultation centres around reforming the way buildings are certified for energy performance.
In particular, the consultation is focusing on these areas:
- EPCs to have a clearer ratings system, possibly increasing the measurement systems used rather than the A-G rating
- Change the lifespan of EPCs and DECs to less than 10 years
- Require an EPC for the duration of a lease and before a property is marketed for sale or rent
- Require an EPC for additional areas, such as for short-term leases
- Boost the quality of the energy certificate by increasing the standard of assessor training and accreditation
- Increase the levels of compliance
- Make the data more accessible for everyone
- Boost the quality of ACIRs through clearer design and larger penalties for non-compliance
The consultation closes on 26 February 2025, and we will update you with any further recommendations and updates after this date.
To find out more about the consultation, visit gov.uk
Helping You With The Energy Performance Of Buildings
It is expected that any changes and recommendations following the consultation will be implemented in mid-2026 – and these updates should lead to better energy performances of property. That means reduced costs for homeowners and tenants as well as an overall reduced carbon footprint of buildings.
On the other hand, Landlords (of both residential and commercial buildings), tenants of commercial buildings wishing to sell their Leases, and home owners wishing to sell their homes are likely to have to meet additional costs in obtaining EPC’s and upgrading the energy efficiency of their buildings.
To speak to us about EPCs or to find out more about this consultation, you can contact us at our Chorlton office on 0161 860 7123 or email chorlton@hlfberry.com or at our Failsworth office on 0161 681 4005 or email failsworth@hlfberry.com and we will be happy to help.
