Many social landlords out there will have properties which are very similar to each other
, such as blocks of flats. With these types of properties in mind there are now production methods for EPCs which account for multiple properties which are similar to each other. Obviously this is more useful for social landlords rather than private landlords, although some may fall into this category also. As social landlords typically have to collate data on their properties regularly they tend to have much more information on them.
These new methods of collecting data cover:
Multiple Certification and Sampling for similar properties. These are EPCs which are produced for many properties which all have the same dimensions, building materials and heating systems. Once again this is more common for blocks of flats where all of the properties are virtually identical to each other. In order to produce these multiple EPCs an Energy Assessor must still visit the properties and carry out an assessment on two or three of them. This helps the Energy Assessor to take a representative sample from which he or she can then create EPCs for the entire block of flats. Obviously any flats which are larger or smaller than the others will need to have a separate EPC produced. This tends to be the case if the top floor flats / apartments are much bigger than the flats on the floors below.
Common Values approach. This method is used by taking the data given from one similar property and using this to create an EPC for another property. There must be slight amendments made to the EPC however if there are any slight differences between the two properties.
The main reason for conducting multiple production of EPCs of similar dwellings is to increase the efficiency of the production of EPCs for landlords. In order to come to a decision regarding whether or not multiple EPCs can be created is down to the Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) as he or she can determine whether or not this method is viable. If it is it is then down to the DEA to decide how many of the properties need to be assessed in order to get the most representative sample for the EPCs. In order to do this with the greatest accuracy it is important that all principles used are consistent and are decided upon before the assessments are commenced.
To get more information on multiple certification, please contact CR Energy.