The rising importance of Energy Performance Certificates

Global warming and climate change concerns are never far out of the media spotlight. Individuals are trying to do their bit to save the planet and companies have mounting pressure to reduce their carbon footprints and be more accountable and responsible for the environment. So, as the public’s interest in energy efficiency and carbon emissions continues to grow, so does the awareness of energy performance certificates (EPC). These are important, as the government states that buildings are responsible for almost 40 % of the UK’s energy consumption and carbon emissions.

If you have a property in England or Wales that you want to sell or rent, you need to have a relevant EPC under government legislation. Jacobs Steel has prepared its top information points to give a better understanding of what you might need to know.

Residential - lettings 

Like selling a property, you need to have at least ordered an EPC when you’re about to market your place for rent. Unlike being put up for sale though, currently, you can’t have tenants rent your home unless the EPC rating is above band E. If you have received a rating of F or G, then you will need to take action to comply with the Minimum Energy Efficient Standards (MEES).  Some properties can be exempt from the ruling which will need to be recorded with the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register. For example, some listed buildings are excluded; however, if this property was then sold, the new owner wouldn’t get the exemption passed to them if they intended to keep renting the property out.