Which? calls for a review of EPC rating systems

Problems with Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are hampering the UK’s drive for more energy-efficient homes, claims a consumer watchdog.

Which? says EPCs need to be overhauled as the UK gets closer to the legal requirement to reach Net Zero in 2050, and EPCs should be an important tool in helping households tackle fluctuating energy bills.

EPCs inform consumers about the energy efficiency of properties for sale or rent, as well the energy efficiency of their own eco homes.

'Too many EPCs do not provide an accurate assessment'

Which? cited a recent government survey that showed that only 36% of the UK population know or have a sense of what their EPC rating is, and only 29% said they had seen the section with advice on how to improve their EPC rating.

The report states: “For EPCs to be effective in supporting consumers, they will need to have relevant, accessible and accurate information and advice. EPCs were introduced in 2007, and although the government has been reforming EPCs since their inception, efforts have failed to keep pace with the change that is required.

“There is now considerable evidence that too many EPCs do not provide an accurate assessment of the energy efficiency of a home, the metrics that are used are confusing for consumers, and there is a need to provide new information that would support consumers in the decisions they need to make.”

EPCs should be tailored to each property

Which? has made suggestions to improve EPCs, such as introducing more than one primary metric in order to support consumers' understanding of energy use in the property and the choices they can make.

The choice of metrics, the organisation states, should be tested with consumers, but could include the property’s energy use, its cost, the heating system and the environmental impact.

Experts at Which? also say EPCs should include more information to support consumers in the transition from fossil fuel heating to new low-carbon heating systems and the advice in an EPC should be relevant to the type of property.

Other suggested improvements for EPCs

Among the recommendations is a suggested overhaul of the training requirements for Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs), improving the auditing of EPCs, and making it easier for consumers to review assessors and access a complaint process.

Software models used to generate EPC ratings should include location data and be regularly updated with data about new heating technologies and models, Which? states, and EPCs should be kept up to date by requiring that every property that is sold or let has an EPC that is less than five years old.

Finally, the researchers say it should be easier for consumers to review assessors and access a complaint process.