Energy Performance Certificates.
Draft Energy Certificate.
From 6 April 2008 developers of all newly
created dwellings (houses and apartments) and buildings modified to
form a dwelling(s) will be required to provide an Energy
Performance Certificate (EPC) upon completion of the work, and pass
this on to the new owner. EPC’s will also be required for the
construction, sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings which
have a floor area greater than 10,000m².
Energy Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a
building is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient
buildings, which should have the lowest fuel bills, are
in band A.
The certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the
impact the building has on the environment. Better-rated buildings
should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The average house in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings.
The certificate will include recommendations on ways to improve the
home’s energy efficiency to save money and help the
environment.
From 1 July 2008 the requirement to obtain Energy Performance
Certificates will be extended to include the construction, sale or
rent of buildings other than dwellings with a floor area over
2,500m².
From 1 October 2008 EPC’s will be required on the sale or rent
of all remaining dwellings and all other buildings.
How are Building Regulations affected?
After 1 April 2008 Building Control will not be able to issue a
completion certificate, for dwellings created as new build or a
change of use, unless it is satisfied that a developer has obtained
an appropriate EPC and declares, by way of a notice, that this has
been/will be passed on to the new owner.
Similar arrangements will be in place for non-domestic buildings
completed after the relevant dates.
Large buildings accessible to the public.
After 1 October 2008 all large buildings (over 1000 m² in total
useful floor area) occupied by public authorities, or providing
services to the public - leisure centres, municipal buildings,
hospitals etc – must also display an EPC which must be on view to
all who use the building.
Who provides an EPC?
PCs can only be obtained from qualified energy assessors who are
registered on an approved accreditation scheme. EPCs will look
similar to those currently used for certain types of energy using
appliances such as cookers, fridges etc.
More information on
Energy Performance Certificates can be found on the Department
for Communities and Local Government’s web page.
This bulletin provides advice on a particular aspect of the
Building Regulations. It is not a statement of law, but is intended
to help you to understand the system. Building Regulations are
changed from time to time. If you did not receive this directly
from Wigan Council’s Building Control section you must check that
the information is still current.
We are here to help.
If you are in any doubt over the requirements of the Building
Regulations, or if you need further information, please telephone
please telephone Building Control – 01279 446859 or 446827