153: What do you think of EPCs? Consultation requests ‘call for evidence’

The Government has recently issued a consultation on energy performance certificates requesting a ‘call for evidence’ about EPCs. This is a welcome opportunity to give feedback on issues such as the quality of EPCs and the way in which the EPCs function at present.

The call for evidence seeks:

• to gain evidence on how the current EPC system is working;
• to gather information on the suitability of the current system of EPCs for both current and emerging uses in measuring building energy performance; and
• to obtain feedback on suggestions for improvement.

EPCs were introduced in 2007 in order to compare the energy performance of different properties, and to allow individuals and businesses to use this as a factor in choosing where to rent a property. Since then the use of EPCs has expanded significantly.

Since 1 April 2018, the asset rating in an EPC is of critical importance to landlords because of the prohibition against granting new leases (or renewing leases) of premises with a ‘sub-standard’ asset rating of F or G. Those letting out commercial and residential property will want some clarity on uncertainties on these minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) which prevent letting out of sub-standard buildings.

The government therefore wants to ensure that it understands all the uses (both regulatory and commercial) to which EPCs are now put. It is also trying to improve their quality, the way in which they encourage building owners to improve the energy performance of existing building stock, and the availability of EPCs.

The property industry are encouraged to respond with feedback on:

• quality;
• availability;
• engagement; and
• improvement.

The deadline for responding to the consultation is 19 October 2018.