The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy together with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, released a new Action Plan update in September which sets out a series of actions following the “Call for Evidence on Energy Performance Certificates” back in July 2018.
These actions are set to deliver:
- An EPC system that produces accurate, reliable, and trusted EPCs
It is sought to have as many homes as possible with an EPC of Band C by 2035 with help of new policies. The financial value of having a good EPC will increase together with driving motivations to improve their performance rating, thus the certificates of performance need to be precise, consistent, and trusted. Ways are being investigated to better identify non-compliance and review subsequent penalties for non-conforming. In addition, solutions to improve information provided by the EPCs to the user are being sought. Together with the above, it is hoped to improve the quality assurance of EPCs comprising a better management, accountability, and formal error reporting.
- An EPC that engages consumers and supports policies to drive action
Interactions with Consumers and Third Parties need to be improved on in relation to achieving improved energy performances of their buildings. EPCs should drive the Consumers’ decisions on improving the building – rather than it being a “tick-box” exercise. It is envisaged that EPCs are going to be more weighted in future regarding the announced C Band rated EPCs by 2035. Representations in both Domestic and Commercial buildings of potential associated costs for improvements are already in place Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) need to be improved. It is stated that further guidance and clarification in EPCs is needed.
- A data infrastructure fit for the future of EPCs
In conjunction of the net-zero Greenhouse Gas Emission target by 2050, EPCs provide not only the Consumer, Building Owners/Occupiers, Third parties but also the Government, of the associated performance of buildings – which supports decision making on further legislative improvements on improving buildings’ energy performance. The data structure of EPCs and their information provided needs to improve and evolve to meet future needs and trends. The first accomplishment to a wider and open data source was achieved by moving to the new Energy Performance of Buildings Register. The new EPC register is envisaged to work as an extended “Open data set” and it is needed to consider how additional information can assist all parties to inform themselves.
For the full Action Plan please follow this link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/922660/EPC_Action_Plan.pdf
If you would like any assistance with (or clarification of details listed within this action plan), please call a member of our technical team on 01275 846995 who will be happy to speak with you.
