What is a Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)?

Fri 29 Mar 2024

In today's world, where sustainability is at the forefront of our minds, understanding the energy efficiency of our homes has never been more important. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) offers insights into how efficiently our homes consume energy and how we can make improvements for a greener future.

EPCs provide a tangible rating, ranging from A to G, reflecting a home's current energy performance. Additionally, they offer a glimpse into what could be achieved with potential improvements. These certificates are not just informative but also actionable, as they typically include a set of recommended measures tailored to enhance a property's energy efficiency.

According to recent analysis conducted by Dataloft, a leading provider of property market intelligence, there are 41 commonly recommended measures outlined in EPCs across England and Wales. These measures range from the installation of solar panels to cavity wall insulation and draught proofing.

What's fascinating is the breakdown of these recommendations based on tenure. Dataloft's analysis reveals intriguing insights into the energy improvement trends among different types of property occupancies.

Solar Photovoltaic Power: Topping the charts is solar photovoltaic power, recommended for a staggering 57% of private rental properties and a striking 79.6% of owner-occupied homes. This emphasizes the growing popularity of solar energy solutions in the quest for sustainable living.

Internal/External Wall Insulation: Interestingly, recommendations for internal or external wall insulation are more common in private rental properties compared to owner-occupied ones. This points towards a potential area for significant improvement in energy efficiency, especially considering the availability of generous grants for such insulation options.

For landlords, investing in energy-efficient upgrades can enhance the appeal of rental properties, attract environmentally conscious tenants, and potentially increase rental yields. Likewise, homeowners stand to benefit from increased comfort, reduced energy bills, and a boost in property value.

Source: #Dataloft, DLUHC 2024