Salus Approved Inspectors

Changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings Framework

Policy Update 1 – the new look domestic Energy Performance Certificate

Energy Performance Certificates have been in place since 2007. They provide an assessment of a building’s energy efficiency on an A-G scale and a set of recommendations that can improve the building’s energy efficiency.

Research has shown, however, that many consumers find it difficult to understand their Energy Performance Certificate. This is because it contains too much jargon and technical language, it is too long and the information is presented in a confusing way. This results in consumers not acting on their Energy Performance Certificate’s recommendations.

DCLG have therefore completely revised the domestic Energy Performance Certificate, taking account of research conducted by Consumer Focus last year.

The new look Energy Performance Certificate is shorter, uses plain English throughout and has a significantly improved design and layout.

Its primary focus is on the potential costs and savings of different energy efficiency measures, rather than CO2 emissions.

The revised Energy Performance Certificate also signposts consumers to the Green Deal, which is due be introduced later in 2012 and identifies those improvements which can potentially be funded through the Green Deal.


By making the Energy Performance Certificate a better product which is easily understood, it is hoped consumers are more likely to implement some or all of the recommended improvements, which could considerably reduce their fuel bills.

The new look domestic Energy Performance Certificate. - http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1790388.pdf