An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), sometimes referred to as an Energy Certificate or EPC Certificate. It contains important information on how to reduce the carbon emissions generated by any property which will also lead to a reduction in energy bills, making the property more cost-effective and energy-efficient to run.

An EPC has been a legal requirement since 2008 for any property, whether commercial or domestic, that is to be sold or let. Since April 2012, legislation has been set in place that makes it illegal no to also market a property without a valid EPC and the responsibility is now jointly shared with Landlord/Property owner and Estate or Letting Agent to ensure the property has a valid EPC before being put up for market.

While an EPC is a legal requirement there are many reasons why it is essential to have one from reducing you carbon footprint to saving money on your energy bills.

If you don’t get an EPC for the property when required, then you will be faced with a fine, enforced by Trading Standards, that can be anywhere from £200 to £5000 depending on the rateable value of the property. There is a 7 day grace period to rectify the situation and this is easily done by simply booking an EPC. Once booked the property is legal to market and the EPC certificate can be with you in 48 hours.

A standard Energy Performance Certificate lasts for ten years from the issue date and can be used whenever required within that time frame.

You can check to see if a property has an Energy Performance Certificate by visiting gov.uk and searching for using your property postcode. If you have lived there since before 2008 and have never instructed an EPC on the property, the chances are, the property will not have a valid EPC.

All buildings require an EPC with the exception of:

• Places of Worship
• Temporary buildings (planned to be used for less than 2 years)
• Stand alone buildings with a total used floor area of 50m2 or less that are not dwellings
• Industrial sites or non-residential agricultural building with low energy demands

Unless the property is a new build, in which case you will require an SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure).

Since April 2012, legislation has been set in place that makes it illegal no to also market a property without a valid EPC and the responsibility is now jointly shared with Landlord/Property owner and Estate or Letting Agent to ensure the property has a valid EPC before being put up for market. So an EPC must be commissioned before the property can be advertised. Once booked the property is legal so no need to wait until the EPC certificate is completed.

You will be emailed with a link to enable you to download your EPC certificate as soon as it is ready.

All assessors have their own accreditation number, this can be found on the EPC or can also be checked on the Landmark official register of UK assessors.