Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), are a compulsory part of Home Information Packs (HIP), which has been in effect since 01/08/07 in England and Wales for domestic properties with 4 or more bedrooms, the scheme was extended to include 3 bedroom homes on the 10/09/07 and is required for all domestic properties as from the 14/12/07.
They are a result of European Union Directive 2002/91/EC relating to the energy performance of buildings. The directive itself was inspired by the Kyoto Protocol which commits the EU to reduce CO2 by 8% by 2010, to 5.2% below 1990 levels. The directive came into force on the 04/01/06 and requires member states to comply with Article 7 (Energy Performance Certificates), Article 8 (Inspection of boilers) and Article 9 (Inspection of air conditioning systems) within 3 years of the inception date, the deadline being 04/01/09.
In the UK this directive was enacted in Part 5 of the Housing Act 2004.
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is based on the RDSAPv3 procedure, which is a simplified version of the SAP2005. SAP is short for Standard Assessment Procedure and RDSAP for Reduced Data SAP.
The EPC will be produced by Home Inspectors or Domestic Energy Assessors to be included as part of a Home Information Pack.
It is thought that the information gathered on properties energy performance may be used to establish a form of 'Energy Taxation' in the future, meaning that properties with poor energy ratings are subject to higher taxes.

In addition to the requirements in relation to dwellings there is also a requirement for EPCs on the sale, rent or construction of buildings other than dwellings with a floor area greater than 500m2 from the 06/04/08.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

• Energy Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes - which should have the lowest fuel bills - are in band A.
• The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
• The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home’s energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment

What's the process?

• The first step is to measure the size of your property length, width and height. This will enable the rdsap software to work out the volume of the property that the energy is used for. At this stage the age and construction will be noted as well as any tell tale signs of retro cavity filling. Then a head and shoulders inspection of the loft insulation is required.
• An inspection of the boiler is next, making a note of the manufacturer, model number and type, also detailing the controls e.g. programmer, room stats and radiators. The number of habitable rooms will be counted with notes on double glazing and low energy lighting which will be recorded as a percentage of the total of windows and light fittings.
• Further inspection of the gas and electric meters are required, also making a note of the radiators, lighting, glazing and any heating controls.
• Any extensions or conservatories will be recorded separately.
• Photographs will be taken of the boiler, meters and structure etc. This is obviously a shortened version of what needs to be done but at least it will give you an idea as to the process, the work really starts back at the office collating and preparing the information for your report.