Ministers consult on final EPC reform proposals

Scottish ministers have opened a consultation on their final proposals for energy performance certificate (“EPC”) reform, ahead of the introduction of new legislation.

The reforms affect both domestic and non-domestic EPCs. While the two types of EPC are very different, both have a key role to play in meeting net zero targets. The reforms aim to ensure that EPCs are an appropriate tool for the role they play, are accessible and clear, and that the value of the data they gather and hold is maximised.

Following consultation on previous proposals, the Government now considers that a set of metrics, rather than a specific energy use metric, is likely to be required to maximise the value of domestic EPCs. This includes a fabric focused metric which would be more appropriate to support policies intended to drive fabric improvement.

In summary, the proposals would:

• introduce a set of domestic EPC metrics (fabric rating, cost rating and heating system type, along with an emissions rating and energy indicator) to provide a holistic reflection of a dwelling’s performance;
• introduce a set of non-domestic EPC metrics (energy efficiency rating, direct emissions and energy demand) to provide appropriate information about non-domestic buildings;
• make additional changes to the EPC system to ensure that EPCs provide clear and useful basic information about a building’s energy efficiency for current and prospective building owners and tenants, and other stakeholders.

Further changes will be made that apply to both types of EPC, including moving to a webpage format and reducing their validity period from 10 to five years.

Ministers intend to introduce revised Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations to the Scottish Parliament in winter 2023-24, subject to the necessary legislation being in place, with the revised EPCs coming into force shortly afterward, ahead of wider proposed Heat in Buildings regulations. However this may be reviewed in light of UK Government timelines which may make 2025 a more appropriate point to introduce the reformed EPCs.

The changes are also intended to support further measures around the fabric of buildings and the heating systems in use which ministers regard as necessary to meet the reductions in emissions towards achieving net zero by 2045 – targets passed into legislation by the Scottish Parliament.

Find the consultation here. The deadline for responses is 16 October 2023.