An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate — a document that rates a building’s energy efficiency on a standardised scale from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient). EPCs are required across much of Europe when buildings are constructed, sold or let. In the United Kingdom, EPCs were introduced in 2007 and are valid for 10 years. The term EPC is also used in the Netherlands, where it historically referred to the energieprestatiecoëfficiënt — a numerical rating that was replaced by BENG requirements in 2021.
What is in an EPC?
A typical EPC contains:
- Energy efficiency rating — A to G band
- Environmental impact rating — A to G band for CO₂
- Estimated energy use in kWh/m² per year
- Estimated energy costs for heating, hot water and lighting
- Recommendations to improve efficiency
- Property details — type, age, area
EPC bands (UK)
| Band | Energy efficiency score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 92-100 | Excellent |
| B | 81-91 | Very good |
| C | 69-80 | Good |
| D | 55-68 | Average |
| E | 39-54 | Below average |
| F | 21-38 | Poor |
| G | 1-20 | Very poor |
Since April 2018 (England and Wales), landlords cannot let property below band E without an exemption.
When is an EPC required?
An EPC is needed when:
- Selling a property — must be provided to buyers
- Letting a property — must be provided to tenants
- Constructing a new building — issued on completion
- Major renovations — sometimes required
The EPC is valid for 10 years and is registered on the national EPC register.
Who can produce an EPC?
EPCs are issued by accredited Domestic or Non-Domestic Energy Assessors after a survey of the property. Typical cost ranges from £35 to £120 for a domestic property.
EPC versus BENG (Netherlands)
In the Netherlands the EPC as a single numerical rating was replaced from 2021 by three BENG requirements (near zero-energy buildings):
- BENG 1 — maximum energy demand (kWh/m²)
- BENG 2 — maximum primary fossil energy use (kWh/m²)
- BENG 3 — minimum share of renewable energy (%)
The Dutch energy label (A++++ to G), comparable to the UK EPC, remains in use for existing buildings.
Related terms
- Insulation value (Rd value)
- U-value
- Passive house
- Building Regulations
- Energy label
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.