What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) give information on how to make your new home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. All homes bought, sold or rented require an EPC.

EPCs contain:

Energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with potential figures that your home could achieve. Potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions would be if energy saving measures were put in place.

The rating measures the energy and carbon emission efficiency of your home using a grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’. An ‘A’ rating is the most efficient, while ‘G’ is the least efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is 'D'. All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.

Around 27% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic homes. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change.