Energy Rating C

Now more than ever we are searching ways to improve on our exhaustive energy consumption . Property is one area which can provide a big impact.

Our global real estate is accountable for 40% of our carbon dioxide emissions. That’s 10% greater than cars and is crucial to making our planet greener and safer.

Since 2007 the Government introduced EPC’s along with the home information pack to facilitate the sale of a property. Home information packs were abolished shortly after, but the EPC remained.

Until now anyone selling or letting a property are required by law to produce a valid Energy Certificate unless they are exempt. If you’re a landlord, then your property has to rate an E or above. Anything below then you must improve your property to rate and E or you will be unable to rent.

However, times are changing and fast with the Governments pledge to reach a target of Net Zero by 2050 makes property a prime target for achieving this.

Creating the EPC has provided a network of energy surveys across the property sector in the UK & Europe. This has built a picture of where we stand and where we need to go in order to help reduce our carbon emissions.

After December 2025 anyone letting their property will have to obtain an Energy Rating C or higher. This also means that all existing tenancies will need a C by December 2028.

Going forward with the Governments plans, all residential property will be required to meet the C rating by 2035.

Mortgage lenders will also be required to have a C rating in order to lend providing incentive to homeowners and landlords to make improvements before they sell or let.

Having worked in the property business for over 20 years, initially the evolution of the EPC was considered another government spin to make money. In fact, its still not uncommon to pick up keys from a business and the humble EPC still gets a dressing down.

In essence, the EPC is important, very important. It is a way to gauge your properties efficiency and therefore the foundations to make improvements. Improvements which make a property less reliant on the consumption of earth’s resources – less consumption, less Carbon Emissions, not to mention cheaper.

In order to reduce our carbon emissions then property plays a substantial part. Its unlikely a residential owner or landlord will avoid the inevitable but at what cost?

Its estimated an average property will cost 27k just to bring it into a C but considering a heat pump is 10-20k then the costs could be considerably more.

In our current economic climate and the squeeze on incomes we face turbulent times. Especially if we need to hit our target by 2050.