Heatly’s Post

The government epc consultation paper in the link attached gives those interested parties a chance to have their say.. There’s a link to “citizen space” where you answer questions etc, give opinions. The consultation is a great opportunity for all involved in the heating industry to have their say. A detailed bank of questions form part of an online response.. from my perspective allowing me to suggest the future “make up” of epcs and how they’ll benefit our industry… especially detailing the fabric heat loss and how that’s recorded, including the actual materials used.. that’s a great improvement on current methods. I’d like to see ach rates used, a faster access to data scraping once the epc is completed.. Simply access the consultation document, click on the survey link.. answer! If we don’t have our say, get views across, we will get what we’re given. https://lnkd.in/eJkJ9vZ7

The government has initiated a consultation on reforming the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) framework, questioning the fitness of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The proposed reforms aim to enhance the quality and applicability of energy certificates in both domestic and non-domestic buildings. Key areas of focus include: - Clarification and consolidation of regulations - Updates to EPC metrics - Refinement of requirements for EPCs and Display Energy Certificates (DECs) - Enhancement of data management protocols and quality control - Revision of air conditioning inspection reports (ACIRs) The suggested changes underline the need for: 1. Addressing metric disparities between Domestic and Non-Domestic EPCs 2. Validity periods for EPCs 3. Simplifying EPC triggers in the rental sector 4. Exemptions for heritage buildings 5. Ensuring the training, accreditation, and ongoing competency of assessors The consultation period, spanning 12 weeks until 26th February 2025, with the implementation of any reforms expected in the latter half of 2026. Stay informed and engaged with the ongoing EPB reform discussions by visiting the official government link provided. #EPBReform #EnergyEfficiency #BuildingStandards

A new consultation is out focussing on EPCs. Top points of interest: - changing the calculation metrics - reducing the validity period down from ten years - absolute requirement for an EPC at point of marketing - requiring renewal of EPC on expiry where property is let (potentially reducing debate on whether an EPC is needed on lease renewal) - requiring "heritage buildings" to have EPCs (ending uncertainty over listed buildings) - general initiatives to improve compliance and an increase in penalties. This consultation DOESN'T cover any proposed changes to minimum EPC ratings for MEES purposes, however... Respond by 26th February 2025 if you have a view! https://lnkd.in/gVnxamSx

♻️ EPC reforms incoming . . . ⏱️ Should the EPC metrics be updated? Do the requirements for EPC and DECs need refining? 1️⃣ Metrics The Government feels the current single headline metric is proving to be insufficient to meet the diverse needs of users and policy objectives. The following metrics are proposed for residential and commercial properties; 🏠 Residential- 4 headline metrics 1. Fabric performance 2. Heating system 3. Smart readiness 4. Energy cost 🏢 Commercial The carbon metric is maintained as the single headline metric for now such as minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES). If you feel this metric should be retained provide your feedback using the link below. Any changes to the metrics could be introduced in Q3/Q4 of 2026. 2️⃣ Other points to up for considerations; 1. 🔻 Reduce the validity period of EPCs (from 10 years). 2. 🔻 Reduce the validity period of DECs to 7 years for buildings between 250-1000m2 and 5 years for buildings over 1000m2. 3. ❌ Not to market the sale or letting of the property without an EPC (currently allows maximum 28 days following marketing for the EPC to be produced). 4. All heritage buildings are required to have an EPC however would be tailored for each building. 5. ❌ Option to opt-out EPCs should be removed and be made available to all prospective buyers and tenants. 6. ⬆️ Increase penalties for breaches for commercial EPCs to maximum £10,000 💶 Have your say by 26/02/2025 at the following link https://lnkd.in/ejRT4ivg

This is an important consultation launched by the Government into the EPC regime. With proposals to use EPCs to restrict mortages and lettings, it is essential that they are reformed so they are fair. Key flaws in the current system are: 1. They do not MEASURE anything - the EPC is purely subjective and based on what the assessor can actually see 2. Quality and condition of materials is ignored. Smashed up double glazed windows attract a better EPC rating than perfect single glazed windows despite creating bigger heat losses Fixing these two flaws would immediately impove the situation. Heat losses can be measured using thermal imaging, removing the subjectivity of the assessment. (My home is rated F but is warm enough that I haven't used the central heating the past couple of years!). Measurement would also allow for condition and quality of materials to be factored in since the heat losses from broken windows would be very obvious. The system also needs to be more joined up with other aspects of building regulations, for example, the reports should not recommend that people living in conservation areas install wind turbines or make changes to the outside of their homes that would require planning permission, without making this clear, and indicating where that permission is unlikely to be granted. My home has a thatched roof, meaning any turbine would have to be stand-alone, but my plot of land is too small to meet the distance to boundary rules. However my EPC suggests the installation of a wind turbine. I also live in a conservation area. One part of government should not recommend people do things another part of government is liable to prohibit. This consultation is scheduled to last for 12 weeks from 4 December 2024 to 26 February 2025. #builings #netzero #epc https://lnkd.in/gFgTRqYt

The Government Consultation on changes to Energy Performance Certificates is live until 26 February 2025 should you wish to respond. After the coming weeks of mountains of Christmas pudding and never ending small talk with relatives from out of town... maybe responding to this will be a welcome break! The Government currently propose: - reducing the validity period down from 10 years; - requiring a valid certificate throughout the duration of a tenancy, rather than just at the point of letting; and - requiring an EPC prior to a property being marketed for let and removing the leeway of 28 days to obtain one. (amongst other things) Link to the Consultation below. #prs #buildtorent #epc https://lnkd.in/euCHxvAT

The UK Government is proposing changes to simplify and enhance energy efficiency regulations for buildings. Key focuses include: - Clarifying and consolidating existing rules. - Improving the accuracy and relevance of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for homes and businesses. - Updating metrics for EPCs and Display Energy Certificates (DECs). - Strengthening quality control and data management protocols. - Revising air conditioning inspection reports to ensure consistency and usefulness. - These reforms aim to make energy data more actionable while supporting net-zero goals. Help shape the future of energy performance by responding to the consultation, which will determine how EPCs are measured. https://lnkd.in/eGW4Qvfu

The Government has gone to formal consultation about stricter Energy Performance Certificates for rented property. Here are the key takeaways for landlords: ➤ An EPC is currently valid for 10 years and is only renewed after that time or if the tenant in the property changes. ➤ This consultation proposes that a new EPC be required at the end of a tenancy duration even when the same tenant renews. ➤ Currently, an EPC has to be commissioned before a property is marketed for rent but you have 28 days after the marketing to produce the certificate itself. ➤ New regulations would see that no building is allowed to be marketed for rent before an EPC is produced. ➤ This could mean another increase in costs for landlords. You can read more in the Government report below👇 https://lnkd.in/dhUz4Aww

There are many critics of Energy Performance Certificates - EPCs. Well now is the time to have your say. There is a consultation open now which is scheduled to last for 12 weeks from 4 December 2024 to 26 February 2025. The consultation seeks views on the reform of the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) framework and covers the following areas: 1. clarifying and consolidating regulations, and focusing on improving the applicability, quality, and data usage of energy certificates in domestic and non-domestic buildings 2. updating EPC metrics 3. refining requirements for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Display Energy Certificates (DECs) improving data management protocols and strengthening quality control 4. revising air conditioning inspection reports (ACIRs) #EPCs #energyperformanceofbuildings #consultation

Here we have it - the expected consultation on Energy Performance of Buildings, which includes Energy Performance Certificates. The objective is, "EPCs should provide information that is easy to understand about the energy performance of a building and how it compares with other buildings, and how to improve it to lower fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, EPCs should support the government’s wider goals, such as achieving net zero emissions, encouraging the use of low carbon heating systems, and reducing fuel poverty. By presenting this information in a clearer, more accessible way, the government aims to make EPCs more useful, complete and understandable for everyone." The consultation closed on 26 February 2024 and can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/ehvXFYYm