An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document which shows the energy demands and efficiency of a building in an established and standardised manner. The document has two scale bars, the first of which determines the rating of the building’s Carbon Emission contribution whilst the second displays the energy efficiency. With gas and electricity prices rising, and an increasing concern about our carbon footprint, the EPC provides a simple yet important snapshot of how expensive a home is likely to be run, and whether there is any potential for reducing its environmental impact and running costs.
Since 2009, EPC’s (Environmental Performance Certificates) have become compulsory documents for all dwellings undergoing sale, rental, construction or modification as from 02/01/2009, under Legal Notice L.N. 376 of 2012, referred to as the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, 2012, and subsequently revised by L.N. 47 of 2018. An EPC is also required for those dwellings and non-dwellings that undergo Planning Authority development permission to be newly constructed or undergo a change of use.
EPC Certificates are sub-divided depending on whether the building is a Dwelling or a Commercial establishment and whether the EPC being issued is ‘Design-based’ or ‘Asset-based’ document. All EPC certificates must be carried out by independent EPB assessors who are registered with the Building Regulation Office.
The EPC will assess:
- Your heating/cooling system, hot water system and lighting;
- Use of passive energy efficiency measures;
- Use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and micro wind turbines;
- Use of second class water for flushing system;
- Use of shading devices and colour schemes;
- Resistance to the passage of heat through roofs, external walls and apertures.