subject: Energy Performance Certificate - Epc - The Bigger Picture [print this page] The Larger Objective Of Energy Performance Certificate
From 14 December 2007, it is mandatory for all homes marketed for sale or to be let to have an Energy Performance Certificate or EPC. You can still market your home without an EPC, provided you have actually ordered an EPC before you have commenced the sales or marketing proceedings. In other words, there should be a reasonable expectation that EPC will be made available within 28 days of the property appearing in market.
What Is Energy Performance Certificate?
It is a certificate that provides a measure of the propertys energy efficiency and its impact on the environment. The certificate also includes recommendations on how to improve energy savings. EPC can also be termed as an energy-rating certificate.
Measuring The Energy Performance Of A Building
Energy Performance Certificate rates a home in terms of the energy used per square meter of floor area, energy efficiency based on fuel costs, and the environmental impact the building or property has by its carbon dioxide (CO) emissions. In short, it is a measure of the inclusive energy efficiency of a property.
Accredited experts carry out the process independently and objectively with a view to provide transparency to the prospective buyers of the building in the market. Other salient features are as follows:
* The measures recommended to improve the energy efficiency takes into account the local climatic conditions as well as the indoor environment. It does not, in any way, contravene the intended use of the building.
* The inspector visits the property and examines the key items such as insulation, domestic water heaters, radiators, and windows for double glazing. He then inputs his observations into software that computes the energy efficiency and gives a single number rating.
Energy Performance Certificate should not be viewed solely for the purpose of selling or renting a property. EPC has a much larger objective, that is, to have a concerted effort by the community at large to save energy. In recent years, there has been a phenomenal increase in the number of air conditioning systems installed in domestic as well as industrial buildings. This has caused considerable pressure to supply stable power at peak loads while at the same time disrupting the energy balance in the locality. Ways must be explored to introduce passive cooling techniques, specifically with an aim to improve indoor climatic conditions.
Impact Of Buildings On The Environment
Usage of energy in a building causes emission of carbon dioxide (CO). As per an estimate, the energy used for heating, lighting, and power in UK homes constitutes a quarter of total carbon dioxide emissions. As an example, an average household in the UK spews about six tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. This is indeed phenomenal. Switching to renewable energy sources can reduce emissions as well as conserve energy.
People need to take prudent and voluntary efforts to reduce emissions as well as conserve energy. It is possible to save on energy bills without compromising on comfort and convenience. This can be achieved in many ways. Checking of the thermostat settings, switching off lighting when not in use, and not leaving appliances in standby mode are a few methods. EPC can help achieve this objective by providing many more recommendations.
