From January 4, 2009, all EU member states have an obligation under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to promote improvement in the energy performance of new and existing buildings.
This means there will be a requirement to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to any prospective buyer or tenant of a property when it is either sold or rented out.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An EPC is a document which states the energy efficiency of a building based on the standardised way the building is used and provides the building owner with a number of ways in which the efficiency could be improved.
Will this apply to all properties?
This requirement applies to all property types both dwellings and non-dwellings which are on the market at January 4, 2009. Dwellings which are being sold and subject to a 'Home Report' from December 1, 2008, will have an EPC provided as part of the document package, and there will be no need to take further action.
However, even if the property is not subject to a Home Report, an EPC will usually be required and appropriate steps to obtain one should be taken by the middle of December. Such action will ensure compliance with the legislation which comes into force on January 4, 2009.
Who can provide an EPC?
In Scotland, a list of organisations approved by Scottish Ministers may provide EPCs for existing buildings. EPCs produced by individuals not included on the list are invalid and could result in the building owner being prosecuted for non compliance.
More information on EPCs can be found on the Scottish Building Standards website.