EPC’s set for major overhaul
In a move to address climate change, the UK government wants to introduce a new system for assessing the energy efficiency of homes.
The current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scheme, long criticised for its inconsistencies, is set to be replaced by a more comprehensive and accurate model.
The existing EPC system, which rates buildings from A to G based on their energy efficiency, has been lambasted by experts as “not fit for purpose”.
The primary criticism stems from its focus on energy costs rather than actual carbon emissions, leading to paradoxical situations where environmentally friendly upgrades can result in lower ratings.
Tom Spurrier of the UK Green Building Council, a leading industry body, highlighted the absurdity of the current system:
“We have currently got a metric that incentivises gas because it is cheaper.”
This means that installing a heat pump, an eco-friendly option powered by electricity, could potentially lower a property’s EPC rating.
The incongruities don’t stop there.
Properties using Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) are also penalised due to its higher cost compared to mains gas, despite potential environmental benefits.
These anomalies have led to situations where property owners invest thousands in energy-efficient improvements, only to find their EPC ratings have decreased.
In response to these criticisms, the government is introducing the Home Energy Model, which will use the new Future Homes Standard assessment.
This updated system promises a more thorough evaluation of a property’s energy efficiency, with assessors required to measure all windows, conduct additional assessments of rooms and lofts, and consider modern energy-saving technologies such as power diverters and battery storage used with solar panels.
Crucially, the new system will shift its focus from energy costs to carbon emissions, providing a more accurate picture of a building's environmental impact.
It will also introduce a new age band for properties or extensions built from 2023 onwards, reflecting the latest building standards.
However, this increased accuracy comes at a cost. The more detailed assessments are expected to take longer and, consequently, be more expensive for property owners.
Current EPC assessments, which take around 30 minutes and cost between £60 and £75, are likely to be replaced by more time-consuming and costly evaluations.
The new assessment method, known as RdSAP10, is expected to launch later this year.
It brings about 30 changes to the assessment process, including more precise measurements of insulation, detailed window assessments, and consideration of features like battery storage and air pressure leakage tests.
For landlords, these changes come at a critical time.
With the government set to impose a minimum EPC grade C standard on rental properties by 2030, many will need to improve their properties’ energy efficiency.
The new system may provide a more accurate reflection of these improvements, potentially benefiting properties that have been unfairly assessed under the current scheme.
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