EPCs And The MEES Regulations

What is an EPC?

An 'EPC' is an energy performance certificate. It reveals information about a property's energy use and steps to improve its energy efficiency. Unless an exception applies, a building which has a roof and walls, and which uses energy to condition its indoor climate (i.e. it has heating, ventilation or air conditioning) will require a valid EPC on certain trigger events.

EPCs are usually valid for ten years, but there is no automatic requirement to renew an expired EPC ,except on a trigger event, which B P Collins' property team explores.

What are the trigger events?

The four main triggers are:

1. Construction – on practical completion.
2. Modification – "to have more or fewer parts than it originally had and the modification includes the provision or extension of fixed services for heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation".