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EPCs to last three years

15 September 2008

Energy performance certificates (EPCs) are set to last for three years instead of one, following a government decision.

The certificates, which rate a building's energy efficiency on a scale from A to G, are set to be rolled out to all property transactions starting on October 1st ¿ the same date when their validity will be extended.

EPCs are part of the controversial home information packs (HIPS), but their new duration will mean people selling a home on within a three year period will have to get a new HIP while keeping the old EPC.

This has led to renewed calls from the Conservative party for the abolition of HIPS.

A recent survey by the Energy Saving Trust revealed that a high rating on an EPC, revealing solid domestic energy efficiency, could convince buyers to pay a higher price for a home.

The study released late last month showed that householders woul pay on average £3,350 more for a 'green' home.