Energy Performance Regulations
Energy Performance Regulations
Energy improvement measures may require consent
Various types of work to older buildings may require consent. Where historic buildings are designated then listed building or scheduled monument consent may be required.
It can be a criminal offence to carry out work to a listed building without consent when it's needed. In addition to these consents, planning permission may also be required.
If your building is listed or in a conservation area you're strongly advised to speak to your local authority planning department or relevant advisory body. They will be able to tell you whether you need permission or consent to implement an energy improvement measure.
The decision whether to give consent for an energy improvement measure will weigh the need for the improvement against the impact of the measure. They'll prefer measures that are inconspicuous and do not alter the fabric of historic places.
See What Permission Might I Need? and Who Do I Contact? for more information.
Energy Performance Certificates
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement when constructing, selling or renting out a building. An EPC is produced by an accredited Energy Assessor who uses standard software using property survey data to produce two ratings: one for energy efficiency and one for environmental impact. Each rating is on a scale of 1 to 100, banded into grades A-G.
What is the main purpose of an EPC?
EPCs are mainly a compliance tool rather than a design tool, for instance where an existing property is sold or rented.
EPCs do not provide a complete energy audit of a building but focus on an assessment of the building providing a list of recommended measures to improve energy performance. The type of fuel source for heating the building and providing hot water has a significant impact on the EPC rating. EPCs are also based on standard assumptions about occupancy and energy use so they do not take account of actual energy use.
As the recommended measures of an EPC are based on the cost of fuel rather than energy efficiency they can be rather misleading and may not always be appropriate for the building. This can be particularly true for older buildings where measures such as solid wall insulation may pose a risk to the fabric of the building.
The Environmental Impact Rating is based on an assessment of the amount of CO2 emissions.
