Energy Performance Certificates EPC Data

17 NOVEMBER 2023
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Residential Energy Performance Certificates (EPC Data)

EPC Data includes Energy Performance Certificates providing a detailed assessment of the energy efficiency and characteristics of residential buildings in England and Wales. Valid for 10 years, they are required for buildings that are constructed, sold, or let. EPCs play a vital role in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, with nearly 40% of energy consumption and emissions attributed to how buildings are heated and used.

EPC Data Background and Regulatory Context

EPCs were introduced in response to the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, aiming to:

  • Make energy efficiency transparent through certification.
  • Highlight potential improvements to energy efficiency.

EPCs are mandatory for most domestic and commercial properties, with some exemptions. Larger public buildings require Display Energy Certificates (DECs), which show actual energy use and efficiency. The floor area thresholds for DECs were revised:

  • From 1 October 2008: Required for buildings over 1,000 square meters.
  • From 9 January 2013: Threshold lowered to 500 square meters.
  • From July 2015: Threshold further reduced to 250 square meters.
Validity Periods
  • EPCs: 10 years or until a newer EPC is issued.
  • DECs:
    • Buildings over 1,000 square meters: Valid for 1 year.
    • Buildings 1,000 square meters or less: Valid for 10 years.
EPC Data Coverage

The EPC database includes certificates issued for residential and commercial properties since 2008. It also contains information from DECs for public authority buildings. However, the register:

  • Does not cover all buildings in England and Wales.
  • May include multiple certificates for the same property or only a single certificate.

This dataset provides energy efficiency ratings derived during assessments but should not be interpreted as a full representation of the building stock.

Data Lodgement and Exclusions

For domestic properties:

  • Lodging underlying data became mandatory from September 2008.
  • Commercial buildings have always required mandatory data lodgement.

Data exclusions occur when:

  • Certificate holders opt out of disclosure.
  • Certificates are redacted due to national security.
  • Certificates are marked as cancelled or not for issue.
  • Voluntary DECs are excluded unless required by law.
Uses and Applications

EPC data is critical for:

  • Reducing Carbon Emissions: Supporting policy decisions to enhance energy efficiency.
  • Market Analysis: Informing buyers, landlords, and tenants about building energy performance.
  • Compliance Enforcement: Assisting regulators in ensuring compliance with energy efficiency standards.
Recent Legislation and Updates
  • UK Energy Act 2011: Introduced the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for rental properties, mandating an EPC rating of E or above for most lettings from April 2018.
  • Future Homes Standard (2025): Sets stringent energy efficiency requirements for new builds, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 75% compared to current levels.
Frequently Asked Questions

What is EPC Data?

EPC Data refers to information from Energy Performance Certificates, which are assessments of how energy-efficient a building is. These certificates are required for most residential and commercial properties in England and Wales when they are constructed, sold, or let. They give details about energy usage, efficiency ratings, and recommended improvements.

What is the validity period for EPC Data?

An EPC is valid for 10 years or until a newer EPC is issued. For larger public buildings, Display Energy Certificates (DECs) may also apply; DECs have different validity periods—one year for very large buildings, and up to ten years for smaller ones.

What is the coverage of EPC Data?

The EPC database includes both residential and commercial properties in England and Wales, and has operated since 2008. It also includes DECs for public authority buildings. However, it does not cover every building, and some properties may have multiple certificates over time, while others have only one.

What are the exclusions or limitations of EPC Data?

Some certificates may be excluded because their holders have opted out of disclosure, some are redacted for national security, and certificates that are cancelled or not for issue are excluded. Voluntary DECs (i.e. those not required by law) are also typically excluded. Because of these factors plus multiple certificates per building, the dataset isn’t a perfect reflection of the full building stock.

How is EPC Data used in practice?

EPC Data supports a variety of uses: it helps inform policy decisions aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions; it assists buyers, landlords, and tenants by providing transparency about how energy-efficient a building is; and it enables regulators to check compliance with energy efficiency standards such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for rental properties.

UK Government: Energy Efficiency Regulations Offers a comprehensive overview of the rules and requirements for EPCs and DECs, ensuring property owners and professionals understand compliance.

UK Energy Act 2011 Provides the legal framework for energy efficiency improvements, including the MEES requirements.

These resources support property owners, landlords, and tenants in navigating energy efficiency requirements and leveraging EPC data to improve building performance and reduce carbon emissions.

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