Energy Performance Certificates

On 4 January 2003 the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings came into force. One of the requirements of the Directive is the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates that must be made available whenever a property is constructed, rented or sold.
Energy Performance Certificates give energy ratings for homes similar to the energy ratings provided on new fridges and washing machines. They outline the cost of energy use in the home, such as heating, hot water, lighting and ventilation, and make recommendations for energy saving. Purchasers and tenants can compare properties to see which are more energy efficient

In Scotland, Energy Performance Certificates are required from the following dates:

• Properties put up for sale - 1 December 2008
• Rental properties - 4 January 2009

Energy Performance Certificates must be made available whenever a property is constructed, rented or sold. Properties put up for sale must have a certificate which is no more than 12 weeks old at the time the property is first put on the market. All landlords must provide prospective tenants with a certificate which is no more than 10 years old at the point the property is marketed. The certificate must be displayed in the property in a suitable location.

The certificate gives a rating for the property, showing its energy efficiency and its environmental impact on a scale from A to G in graphical format (where A is the most efficient and G the least efficient). The average property in the UK is expected to be bands D-E for both ratings.

The certificate recommends ways to improve the property’s energy performance to help save energy, reduce bills and cut carbon dioxide emissions. The cost of the measures recommended vary, but the certificate distinguishes between those that cost under £500, such as installing energy saving lightbulbs and loft insulation, and those that could cost more, such as double glazing or new heating systems. Finally, it lists further measures that will help achieve the highest possible rating for the property, but which could be expensive and will take more than seven years to repay their cost in energy savings.

For clarity Energy Performance Certificates are only required for properties that have are marketed from 4 January 2009 which means that if your property is already tenanted by this date then you do not need to get a Certificate until after that tenant vacates and the property is remarketed.

Source:  www.epclothians.co.uk