Energy Performance Certificates display an energy rating for a building based on its energy efficiency rating from A to G. An A rating shows it's very efficient, meaning lower fuel bills, while G is inefficient, meaning higher fuel bills. The Certificate will also show the building's environmental impact by indicating its carbon-dioxide emissions.

We are now accustomed to looking for energy labels on domestic appliances or cars and seeing a building's energy efficiency depicted clearly should encourage all of us to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings we live and work in. As fuel costs increase, buildings that are more energy efficient will also be more attractive to prospective owners.

EPCs are valid for 10 years and do not need to be recalculated for resale unless a property has been altered in a way that may affect the rating. With buyers better informed, builders and landlords will have greater incentive to incorporate energy-efficient technologies and designs into their buildings, in return for lower running costs and a reduced carbon footprint.

DOMESTIC EPC

From 30 June 2008, all dwellings being sold in Northern Ireland need an Energy Performance Certificate and the duty to have one produced is on the property seller. This applies whether or not the dwelling was on the market before 30th June 2008.

It requires that when buildings are constructed, sold or rented out that an Energy Performance Certificate is made available by the owner to the prospective buyer or tenant. The Northern Ireland Executive intends to reduce Northern Ireland's carbon footprint as buildings that are more energy efficient should also be cheaper to run and be more attractive to prospective owners. It also provides better information on the expected running costs of a building or apartment.

RENTAL EPC

From 30 December 2008, all Dwellings being rented are required to have an Energy Performance Certificate.

It is proposed that the energy performance certificate should be part of the tenancy agreement and this should be provided to the tenant before the agreement is signed. DSD proposes to make a written tenancy agreement mandatory for all private tenancies with the form and content of these being prescribed by regulations. Tenancy agreements are considered to be the only practical enforcement mechanism for the Directive in the rented housing sector.

It allows tenants better information on the expected running costs of a building or apartment. As fuel costs increase, buildings that are more energy efficient will also be more attractive to tenants.

DISPLAY EPC

From the end of December 2008, Display Energy Certificates are required for all public sector buildings over 1000m2 in floor area. Our Energy Assessors will work in conjunction with Facility Managers to display information that explains the building’s energy efficiency to members of the public who use the facility. The annual aim should be to have a noticeable reduction in energy use for each building.

COMMERCIAL EPC

Fomr the end of December 2008, Energy Performance Certificates are required for commercial buildings marketed for sale and being offered for rental, thus becoming compulsory whenever a building is constructed, sold or rented out

As with domestic buildings, these certificates display an energy rating for buildings based on its energy efficiency rating from A to G. An A rating shows it's very efficient, meaning lower fuel bills, while G is inefficient, meaning higher fuel bills. The Certificate will also show the building's environmental impact by indicating its carbon-dioxide emissions. However as all commercial buildings differ greatly in size and complexity, individual pricing is required for each commercial EPC – please contact us for a detailed quotation.