A group of energy professionals in the property sector are taking issue with a claim by consumer organisation Which? over the accuracy of Energy Performance Certificates. 

Which? says that with millions of households across the UK concerned about how to keep their homes warm in winter and worried about high energy bills, an EPC should be a valuable source of information; and as the UK nears its target to reach Net Zero in 2050, EPCs should be an important tool.

Yet it claims that a recent government survey showed low public awareness and understanding of EPC ratings, and goes on to claim: “There is now considerable evidence that too many EPCs do not provide an accurate assessment of the energy efficiency of a home, the metrics that are used are confusing for consumers, and there is a need to provide new information that would support consumers in the decisions they need to make. The presentation of EPCs also needs to be improved to make them more accessible and useful to consumers.” 

The consumer body goes on to say that for EPCs to be effective in supporting consumers, they will need to have relevant, accessible and accurate information and advice. 

The Property Energy Professionals Association complains that it was not consulted by Which? before the claim was made and it wants to see the evidence behind the claim, to confirm that it is more than people simply not understanding what an EPC does and does not do. 

PEPA says it backs the consumer body’s call for EPCs having more than one ‘headline’ result and instead providing more information and advice relevant to individual properties. 

But PEPA chair Andrew Parkin states: ‘We were not invited by Which? to input into this work, which we would happily have done, and indeed would have been able to provide valuable information to assist them with their research … we are disappointed to read that a well-worn and outdated phrase has been repeated in their release that states ‘There is now considerable evidence that EPCs do not provide an accurate assessment of the energy efficiency of a home’. 

“PEPA is clear that the outcome Which? seeks in respect of EPCs fulfilling a vital role in underpinning specific advice to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their carbon footprint is totally in alignment with PEPA’s manifesto. Working together may have provided a more accurate report and a better overall result.” 

PEPA is a trade body which represents businesses that provide EPCs, Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and Air Conditioning Inspection Reports (ACIRs). 

Which? called for a series of detailed reforms to the EPC process, including:

– EPCs should have more than one headline or primary metric in order to support consumers’ understanding of energy use in the property and the choices they can make. The choice of metrics should be tested with consumers, but could include the property’s energy use, its cost, the heating system and the environmental impact;

– EPCs should include more information to support consumers in the transition from fossil fuel heating to new low carbon heating systems including the environmental impact of their current heating system and when it is likely to need updating; the ability of the building and heating system to benefit from flexible tariffs; the ability of the building to generate energy through solar thermal or PV panels; and information about potential heat networks, drawn from the Local Energy Action Plans that all councils are now required to develop;

– The advice in an EPC should be relevant to the type of property and provide an accessible gateway to sources of further information and advice;

– The EPC should link to a Building Passport or Log Book that contains more detailed information about the building and plans. 

Which? also wants much improved accessibility for EPC data, through apps and online services, more frequently updated certificates, and non-digital versions should be available for those unable to access digital information.