Domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a key part of the UK’s approach to improving the energy efficiency of buildings and reducing carbon emissions. Introduced as part of broader climate and housing legislation, an EPC provides a standardised assessment of how efficiently a property uses energy, along with recommendations for improvement.

Each certificate rates a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), based on factors such as insulation, heating systems, ventilation, and construction type. In addition to the headline rating, EPCs include estimated energy costs and potential savings, helping homeowners, landlords, and tenants understand both the environmental and financial implications of a property’s performance.

EPCs are legally required when a property is built, sold, or rented, making them an important tool in the property market. They also underpin wider policy measures, such as Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which set minimum acceptable ratings for rental properties. Beyond compliance, EPCs play a growing role in guiding retrofit decisions, supporting the transition to low-carbon heating, and informing national strategies to meet net zero targets.

As energy efficiency becomes increasingly important both for reducing bills and addressing climate change EPCs serve as a practical and accessible way to measure, compare, and improve the performance of buildings across the UK.

Read each of our articles in this section for more information about domestic EPCs.