Nearly half (50%) of all carbon emissions in the UK come from buildings.
The European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) is designed to address this issue.
Under Article 7 of the Directive, any building which is sold, rented out or constructed must have an EPC. This must be issued by a qualified and accredited assessor in an independent manner.
The building's owner is responsible for ensuring that an EPC is produced and it is valid for ten years.
The certificate is accompanied by recommendations about how to improve energy efficiency. These do not however have to be implemented. This part of the Directive has been incorproated into law in England and Wales by the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations (2007/991) .
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) indicate how energy efficient a building is on a scale of A-G.
The EPC also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the building has on the environment.
Better-rated buildings therefore are more efficient, cost less to heat and have less impact on the environment through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings.
The EPC has recommendations on ways to improve the building's energy efficiency.
