The Climate Change Committee (CCC) published research and recommendations on the reform of domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in Scotland and the rest of the UK in February 20231. The work fed into the Scottish Government's EPC Regulations and the Reform of Energy Performance Certificates consultation, published in July 2023, which set out final proposals for reform and sought views ahead of new legislation1.
The consultation states that the CCC, as statutory advisers, "have recommended reform to ensure that EPCs are fit-for-purpose to help deliver net zero"1. It records that the Scottish Government commissioned research and established working groups during 2017-20 in response to long-standing criticism and recommendations from the CCC1. The Heat in Buildings Strategy in 2021 committed the government to bringing forward proposals to reform EPCs1.
The consultation describes the current metrics as not appropriate to drive the improvements needed in the fabric of homes and the move to zero direct emissions heating systems1. It proposes a set of domestic EPC metrics rather than a single new metric, including a fabric-focused metric, after an earlier consultation that ran from July to October 2021 focused on introducing an Energy Use metric and renaming existing metrics1. The consultation also notes that the Energy Efficiency Rating "was removed as a headline metric from EPCs in England and Wales in 2020"1.
"As such, this consultation seeks views on EPC reform."
The consultation covers domestic and non-domestic EPC metrics, the purpose and validity period of EPCs, the EPC format, and quality assurance procedures1. It states that neither the metrics nor methodology for domestic and non-domestic EPCs can be compared1. It also records that in December 2021 the EU proposed a revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive1.
Why it matters for households
EPCs are required when a building is sold or let to a new tenant, and have formed part of the Home Report since 20081. The consultation states that EPCs are one of the few pieces of information householders and building owners receive that helps them understand the performance of their building1. For a household, the metrics an EPC displays determine what a rating actually measures, and therefore what a buyer, tenant or owner can read from it about a home's insulation and glazing and its running costs. The consultation links fabric improvements to comfort, lower energy spending and reduced fuel poverty, and states that fabric improvements alone will not reach net zero emissions from buildings1. It also sets out that, subject to consultation, a Heat in Buildings Bill would seek powers to require domestic buildings to meet a minimum fabric energy efficiency standard equivalent to EPC C by 2033 and to prohibit direct emissions heating systems in domestic and non-domestic buildings by 20451. Scotland's housing stock and its EPC ratings are covered in the site's guide to Scotland's Housing Stock and EPC Ratings.
What happens next
The consultation invited responses by 23:59 on 16 October 2023, submitted through the Scottish Government's consultation hub, Citizen Space1. The government said it intended to introduce revised Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations to the Scottish Parliament in Winter 2023-24, subject to the necessary legislative vehicle being in place, with revised EPCs coming into force shortly afterwards1. It also said it would review the UK Government's timeline for development of SAP 11, planned for launch in 2025, which may provide a more appropriate point to introduce the reformed EPC, and would consider aligning EPC reform with that launch1.