Energy Efficiency

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) are a direct outcome of the European Union Directive 2002/91/EC, inspired by the Kyoto Protocol that aimed at cutting back on energy consumption and ecological deterioration due to CO2 emissions. Lower energy consumption cuts down on carbon emissions, a good EPC’s rating not only helps save money and energy, but also contributes to the cause of improving the environment.

When selling a house before it is built or during construction, potential buyers are provided with information about the energy efficiency of the house using a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA). This “target energy rating” is produced, at the design stage, for the building inspector to prove that the property will meet requirements under Part L of the Building Regulations Act. The final energy performance of the property must achieve at least this target energy rating to receive its final approval from the building inspector. An EPC for the house can then be issued.

The ratings on the certificate provide a measure of the building’s overall energy efficiency and its environmental impact, ranging from ‘A’ (a highly efficient zero carbon home) to ‘G’ (a very inefficient, high CO2-producing property). The rating is calculated in accordance with a national methodology that takes into account factors such as insulation, heating, hot water systems, ventilation, fuels and materials used.

Buildings that are more energy efficient save money and help protect the environment. At Fairfax we currently achieve an energy rating within band ‘C’, the average energy efficiency rating for a dwelling in England and Wales is within band ‘E’.