Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced into the UK in 2007 to promote energy efficiency in the private property market. However, there is some debate surrounding the EPCs' effectiveness. As the Channel Islands’ property experts, here at Livingroom, it’s our duty to have an in-depth understanding of these complex requirements allowing us to advise you accordingly when exploring private property ownership for letting or as residential accommodation. Here we explore the robustness of the certificate, and its potential application in the Channel Islands.

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a standardised audit measurement of how energy efficient an individual building is, providing a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). This rating is calculated based on a multitude of factors, such as how the building is heated and its insulation.

The core purpose of this metric is to provide a uniform approach to comparing properties' energy efficiency and identify solutions to improve it – with the overarching aim of raising building standards. However, the big picture goal is to ultimately combat climate change by reducing carbon footprints. By enforcing better energy efficiency, it eliminates excess loss of heat from buildings, therefore reducing the cyclical knock-on effect of fuel overconsumption. The assessment acts as a roadmap to guide building owners and developers alike to adopt more sustainable building techniques and resources to conserve energy.

In the UK, private rental properties are required to have an EPC rating of at least E. The pipeline goal is to adjust this to rating C by 2030 to align with the UK’s carbon net-zero goal by 2050. However, a Which? report uncovered some concerning inconsistencies and unreliability in its actual real-world application. The report highlighted issues in the structural organisation of the EPC audit, such as the certificate never arriving, and issues in the accuracy of the report content, with key information being omitted in the rating selection and the recommendations being highly unrealistic. This suggests that, whilst the approach and intention of the EPC are ultimately positive, it’s not a perfect system many areas require refinement.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES IN JERSEY & GUERNSEY

Energy Performance Certificates in the Channel Islands – What you need to know

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