Changes to help underpin Net Zero journey
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are to be revised and
updated to give consumers a clearer picture of their home's
energy performance and to link better with the drive to cut
emissions from homes and buildings.
Changes proposed today include the introduction of a new rating
system which will give clearer information on the fabric energy
efficiency of a property; the emissions, efficiency and running
costs of its heating system; and the cost of energy to run the
home.
The EPC format will also be redesigned to make it easier to
understand, and the validity of EPCs will be reduced from ten to
five years to ensure consumers have more up-to-date information.
, Acting Minister for Climate
Action said:
“Energy Performance Certificates are a vital source of
information for home and building owners and potential
purchasers. By improving the EPC we can give everyone a clearer
picture of the actual energy efficiency of a home.
“These improvements reflect feedback from external groups
including consumer organisations and the Climate Change
Committee, as well as from industry, and are in line with changes
to EPCs being implemented elsewhere in the UK and in Europe.”
Background
EPC Reform Consultation:
Government Response
Subject to Parliamentary approval, the new regulations, new EPC
rating system and redesigned certificates are expected to be
brought into force during 2026.
Proposed changes include:
- a new EPC rating system for domestic buildings, which will
give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a
property; the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its
heating system; and the cost of energy to run the home to
standardised conditions;
- a new EPC rating system for non-domestic buildings;
- a redesigned EPC certificate, based on a first phase of user
testing, and to be followed by a second phase prior to
regulations coming into force;
- reduction of the validity period of EPCs from 10 to five
years to ensure consumers have more up-to-date information;
- development of a new dynamic EPC user interface to sit
alongside the published EPC;
- introduction of strengthened operational governance
arrangements for EPC assessors and Approved Organisations to
enhance quality assurance for consumers;
- establishing a new technical infrastructure to replace the
current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) with the new
UK Home Energy Model (HEM) calculation methodology,
together with a new EPC Register, where we will share significant
parts with the UK Government;
A previous consultation
considered proposals to reform EPCs so that they better support
Scotland's journey to net zero.
A technical consultation will follow on the level of EPC
lodgement fees to support new, critical technical infrastructure.
This will also give stakeholders a further opportunity to
contribute to the development of the new regulations.
EPCs in Scotland remain a source of information only, unlike in
other parts of the UK where they are linked to minimum energy
efficiency standards.
