Scottish Government announces changes to Energy Performance Certificates
The Scottish Government has confirmed changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
Following the outcomes of its consultation in 2023, the Scottish Government has confirmed changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) which, subject to Parliamentary approval, will come into force in 2026.
The proposed changes include:
- a new EPC rating system for domestic buildings, which will give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a property; the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its heating system; and the cost of energy to run the home to standardised conditions;
- a new EPC rating system for non-domestic buildings;
- a redesigned EPC certificate, based on a first phase of user testing, and to be followed by a second phase prior to regulations coming into force;
- reduction of the validity period of EPCs from 10 to five years to ensure consumers have more up-to-date information;
- development of a new dynamic EPC user interface to sit alongside the published EPC;
- introduction of strengthened operational governance arrangements for EPC assessors and Approved Organisations to enhance quality assurance for consumers;
- establishing a new technical infrastructure to replace the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) with the new UK Home Energy Model (HEM) calculation methodology, together with a new EPC Register, where we will share significant parts with the UK Government;
SFHA responded to the initial consultation and while we were supportive of reforms to help improve the clarity of the information presented and better with net zero objectives, we also raised various concern including the cost and resource implications of moving to a five-year validity period.
We will be discussing the further at the upcoming Energy and Net Zero Forum on 30th January and invite members to provide further feedback through this forum or by contact SFHA Polcy Lead on Energy and Net Zero, Cassandra Dove (cdove@sfha.co.uk).