As I sat across from Emily Green, an accredited energy assessor with over a decade of experience, I couldn’t help but admire her passion for her profession. Our conversation was enlightening, to say the least, and I walked away with a comprehensive understanding of how Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are calculated in the UK.
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Emily began by explaining the importance of EPCs. “An EPC is more than just a legal requirement; it’s a critical document that helps homeowners and potential buyers understand a property’s energy efficiency,” she said. “It provides a clear picture of the running costs associated with the property and offers recommendations on how to improve its energy efficiency.”
So how exactly is an EPC calculated? Emily broke it down for me, step by step.
“The EPC for a building is calculated using a Standard Assessment Method (SAM),” she explained. “SAM is a comprehensive approach that considers several factors, including the property’s build quality, its size and shape, and the way it is used. Essentially, it’s a holistic assessment of the building’s energy efficiency.”
One of the first elements SAM considers is the ‘fabric energy efficiency’ of the building. “This involves evaluating the thermal conductivity of the materials used in the construction of the property,” Emily noted. “We look at the insulation levels and the external dimensions of the building, as these factors significantly affect how much heat is lost through walls, windows, and doors.”
Next, the assessment moves to the ‘internal environment’. “We assess the building’s airtightness, which can impact draughts and heat loss,” Emily said. “Ventilation is another crucial factor, as it affects moisture levels and indoor air quality. Lighting also plays a role, as it influences heating costs and carbon emissions.”
Another critical component of the SAM is the ‘renewable technologies’ assessment. “We look at any renewable energy sources used to help power the property, such as solar PV panels or wind turbines,” Emily explained. “This information is then used to produce an EPC rating for the property on a scale from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient).”
Emily also highlighted the practical aspects of the EPC calculation process. “When the EPC survey is completed, your energy performance is calculated, and an EPC Certificate is produced,” she said. “The certificate is published to the government register within 24-48 hours of the energy assessor leaving the premises. A copy is also sent directly to the homeowner via email, and it contains recommendations for improving the building’s EPC rating.”
I was curious about the kind of information an energy assessor would need to calculate an EPC. Emily provided a detailed list. “We need the dimensions of the property, details about the heating and hot water system, and information about the insulation and glazing,” she said. “This data is then input into a specialised software program that generates the EPC for the property.”
Despite the meticulousness of the process, Emily assured me that it is relatively straightforward for a qualified assessor. “The EPC calculation process can be completed by any accredited assessor,” she said. “However, it’s important to remember that the EPC is just one tool to assess the energy efficiency of a building. Many other factors need to be considered when making energy efficiency improvements, such as cost, feasibility, and impact on occupants.”
Before we concluded our conversation, Emily had one final piece of advice for homeowners. “Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to make changes should be based on a comprehensive analysis of all factors involved,” she said. “Hiring a professional energy assessor can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions about improving your property’s energy efficiency.”
As I left Emily’s office, I felt well-informed and confident about the EPC calculation process. Her expertise and dedication to her field were evident throughout our conversation, and I knew that I had gained a valuable understanding that would benefit any homeowner looking to improve their property’s energy efficiency.
By John Williams
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