Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for Homes
This page looks at how Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and also private rented property regulations apply to listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas.
When do you need an EPC?
You need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when you build, sell or rent a building. Valid for 10 years, EPCs record the energy efficiency of a building, rated high to low, from A to G.
As an owner, you will need an EPC to sell your building.
As a landlord, you will need an EPC to demonstrate compliance to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.
Owners and landlords are responsible for making EPCs available to prospective buyers and tenants, who should receive a copy of the certificate and any exemptions in place before moving into the property.
EPC exemptions
Some buildings are exempt from the requirement to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Use the link below to see the list of buildings that do not need an EPC.
EPCs and buildings that do not need one
The modelling and methodology that EPCs are based on, and the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards are currently both under review by government. In the meantime, when you have an EPC assessment, you should give careful consideration to the measures it recommends. Some recommendations may be inappropriate for both the fabric performance, character and appearance of your building. Carrying out inappropriate work to meet a specific EPC rating can result in harm to the building fabric and to the health of the occupants.
EPCs for Landlords
The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations set a minimum energy efficiency rating of E for all tenancies from April 2020.
If a rental property cannot meet that standard, the landlord needs to register a valid exemption in order to comply.
Exemptions for landlords
In some circumstances, buildings with an EPC certificate will not be able to meet the EPC rating required to comply with MEES. There are several exemptions available to landlords. Demonstrating that making energy efficiency improvements would have a negative impact on a listed building or a building in a conservation area is just one of the types of exemption available.
Read the MEES guidance for landlords
To register an exemption, you will need to submit copies of any correspondence or relevant documentation (such as a local authority planning decision notification and listed building consent).
Potential impact of EPC recommendations
To find out more about the impact that energy efficiency work might have on the significance and appearance of your property, the following sources of information are available:
- Search for your building on the List. It may include a description of the features that give the building its character
- Conservation Area Appraisal documents for your location
- Historic England's guidance on character and appearance of listed buildings
- Call the free SPAB Advice Line
Your local authority's conservation officer should be able to advise you as to whether the work recommended would unacceptably alter the character or appearance of your listed building and if you would need to apply for listed building consent or submit a planning application.
You may also want to commission a conservation accredited surveyor, architect or heritage adviser to support you with the listed building consent or planning permission application. He or she can advise on appropriate energy efficiency measures and provide technical advice.
