The Scottish Government published a consultation on EPC reform on 25 July 2023, setting out proposals to change domestic and non-domestic Energy Performance Certificates. It states that it intends 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.
The consultation proposes a set of headline metrics for domestic EPCs, replacing and expanding the current display. These are a Fabric Rating in kWh/m2/year calculated through the SAP assessment, a Cost Rating based on modelled annual running costs, and Heating System Type, identifying the installed system and whether it meets the proposed Zero Direct Emissions Heating standard. A separate section would report an Emissions Rating in kg CO2e/m2/year and an Energy Indicator in kWh/m2/yr1.
For non-domestic EPCs the proposals focus on direct emissions, with an Energy Efficiency Rating from A to G, Direct Emissions in kg CO2e/m2/yr, and Energy Demand in kWh/m2/yr. The consultation notes that for buildings which only use grid electricity, direct emissions will be zero1.
Changes proposed for both types of certificate include reducing the validity period from 10 to five years, moving to a webpage format with interactive links to advice and tailored recommendations, and expanding the sharing of non-personal EPC data, including direct public access to current and historical records1.
"Following this consultation, we intend 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."
The consultation sets the reform against Scotland's climate targets: net zero by 2045, with interim reductions of 75% by 2030 and 90% by 2040 relative to 1990 levels. It states that Scotland's buildings currently account for around a fifth of emissions1. It also refers to a Heat in Buildings Bill, subject to consultation, that 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.
| Proposed domestic EPC metric | Unit |
|---|---|
| Fabric Rating | kWh/m2/year |
| Cost Rating | Modelled annual running costs |
| Heating System Type | System installed; ZDEH standard met or not |
| Emissions Rating | kg CO2e/m2/year |
| Energy Indicator | kWh/m2/yr |
Why it matters for households
An EPC is required when a building is sold or let to a new tenant, and has formed part of the Home Report since 20081. A Fabric Rating expressed as heat loss, rather than only a cost-based rating, would describe the building itself rather than running costs alone, while Heating System Type would state whether the installed system meets the proposed zero direct emissions standard. For a household, that links the certificate more directly to the measures that would change a home's EPC rating and to the standards proposed for 2033 and 2045. The consultation does not set out costs to households of the proposed changes, and no figures for that have been reported.
What happens next
The consultation seeks stakeholder views ahead of new legislation. The Scottish Government says it will review the UK Government's timeline for development of SAP 11, which is planned to be launched in 2025, as this may provide a more appropriate point to introduce the reformed EPC1.