The government has published a Call for Evidence on Energy Performance Certificates for Buildings. Landlords, tenants and agents of both domestic and non-domestic properties are all encouraged to respond.
The government foresees an expanding role for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) as part of its drive to reduce building energy use. The Clean Growth Strategy 2017 set out an aim for homes in the private rented sector to be upgraded to EPC band C by 2030, and an aspiration for as many homes as possible to be upgraded to band C by 2035. In March 2018 the Green Finance Taskforce recommended that the government set a target for all commercial properties to meet EPC band B by 2035.
With these aims in mind, the Call for Evidence aims to collect evidence on the effectiveness of EPCs, to gather information on the suitability of the current system of EPCs for both their current and emerging uses, and to obtain feedback on suggestions for improvement.
The consultation document is 53 pages long and sets out the government’s take on how the EPC system is currently working and how it might be improved. Respondents are asked to answer 26 questions (on pages 44-46). Responses must be given by 19 October 2018.
As a landlord, tenant or agent, how are you finding the current EPC system? Have the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards had an impact on your business? What do you think about the proposals for the minimum standards to be higher? Have your say in the Call for Evidence and share your thoughts with us below.