Across the UK legislation has been passed which will restrict property transactions involving properties which have a poor energy rating. Whilst the legislation varies across the UK and initially will only affect those properties with the worst ratings the minimum standards will increase over the coming years using legislation to enforce capital investment in energy efficiency.
The issue of EPC irregularities has largely been ignored until now as the rating has held little value. EPCs for existing buildings vary greatly from those for new buildings as the vast majority of the information is assumed or estimated. EPCs are regularly (and randomly) audited by accreditation bodies who require evidence for ALL inputs. Therefore if for example, information such as ductwork leakage is unavailable (which is the case in 99% of buildings) we are required to use a default value which increases the rating. The cumulative effect of several default values has a considerable effect on the rating. Our range of testing services and ability to make repairs coupled with LED lighting services means that the majority of affected properties will require no fabric improvements.
Its worth noting that the auditing process is stringent and once failed the accreditation bodies require the EPC to be reissued with a new rating as they interpret the information.
