An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required in England, Wales and Northern Ireland under Approved Document L of the Building Regulations and in Scotland under Section 6 of the Technical Handbook.  The certificate has to be completed and issued before the Building Regulation or Building Warranty final certificate can be issued.

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It is important to note that the main aim of the EPC is to advise the building occupier or potential purchaser how energy efficient the building is.  The certificate issued is similar to the certificate provided when you purchase, for example, a new fridge or freezer where a simple traffic light system is used.

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To create an EPC, work starts at the design stage where a design stage EPC calculation is identified.  This simplistically provides a start point as to how energy efficient the build is going to be.  As much information should be provided at the start and this is one of the reasons why it is difficult to progress with a project under a Building Notice application for Building Regulation Approval.

 

For new builds, whilst as much information should be provided as possible to the Assessor, the auditing and production of the design SAP and final documentation is reasonably straight forward if the build meets the required standard.

 

With conversions and alterations, by the very nature of the project, a lot of assumptions are made with regard to the “base data” and it is what it is.  Listed and other regulated buildings will often have restrictions and a sensible audit and testing regime may not be possible.

 

Once the building has been completed, a final test is then carried out and the two results are compared together.  The final testing also takes account of the Air Pressure Test.

 

The review and testing is normally undertaken by a trained and licensed Domestic Energy Assessor.  They will carry out the initial review and then on completion, carry out a SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculation.

 

Both stages are undertaken by entering information about the building design, including information such as insulation details, window and floor areas, lighting and primary and secondary heating systems and sources.  Loft areas are also reviewed, where applicable, with regards to the level of insulation.  The information is then inputted into a bespoke software program.  The software then calculates the energy performance of the new structure(s).

 

On completion of the testing, the Assessor lodges the rating with the relevant licensing body and issues the certificate direct to you.  The certificate should be retained as it is currently valid for a period of 10 years from the date of testing/issue and can be used for both the resale and rental of the property.  After that date a retest and reissue of a revised certificate may be required.

 

We have an established network of Partnered Approved Inspectors who can facilitate a range of energy performance services and provide a comprehensive support and advice service for your development.

 

These include:

​·  SAP Assessments

·  EPC Certification

·  Air Pressure Testing

·  Water Calculation

·  Extractor Fan Testing

 

Should you have any queries, require any further information or would like a bespoke quotation, please contact us.

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