What happens to Energy Performance Certificates once they're complete?
All domestic Energy Performance Certificates are lodged in a central database. Energy Assessors (through their Accreditation Schemes) lodge them as they produce them, and each is given a unique reference number. Access to the database is restricted, so only those who have the unique reference number can access the certificate for a particular property.

Not all buildings are used in the same way. However, energy ratings use 'standard occupancy' assumptions, which might be different from the specific way you use your building. What different methods of calculation are used for homes and for other buildings?
All the methodologies used to produce Energy Performance Certificates consider factors such as the size, age, location of a building, and how it's heated, lit and insulated.

• For domestic homes, the method used is called Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure.
• For commercial properties, the method is called Simplified Building Energy Model.
• For operational ratings for display certificates, a new methodology is being developed. More details will be available on this from Communities and Local Government soon.

How can I get an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate can be commissioned as a standalone document or, more commonly, as part of a Home Information Pack. Find out more on Getting a Pack

See also on our site

What's in a Pack? > Compulsory Items > EPCs
Energy Performance Certificates are a compulsory part of the Pack

External links

Energy Performance of Buildings
Key info from the Communities and Local Government site

The Energy Saving Trust
Advice on saving energy, improving your home and accessing grants

Climate Challenge
Information on the Government's Climate Change Communication Initiative

The European Commission
Information on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

Environment and Greener Living
Section about green issues on the Directgov site