Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) show the energy performance rating of buildings.
An EPC is required before a building is placed on the market for sale, placed on the market for rental, when a building is newly constructed, an existing building undergoes major renovations or when an existing building goes under such works that change the number of building units within the building.
The EPC enables comparison of the energy efficiency, carbon emissions and possible fuel costs of buildings of the same type for potential owners, buyers or tenants of a building. It also provides recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency of the building.
The EPC remains valid for 10 years, however you should renew the certificate if you carry out any major refurbishment or building works to the property which would alter its energy rating.
Letting and Estate Agents are required to include an Energy Performance Certificate with any information they use to market the property.
An Energy Performance Certificate is not required for the following properties:
- Places of worship
- Stand-alone buildings of less than 50 square metres (except for dwellings) or
- Temporary buildings
To get an Energy Performance Certificate you will need to employ the services of a suitably accredited Energy Assessor. The Energy Assessor will record the Energy Performance Certificate on the Northern Ireland register which you can access at https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.