The Energy Performance Certificate looks broadly similar to the energy labels now provided with vehicles and many appliances. Its purpose is to indicate how energy efficient a building is.
The certificate will provide an energy rating of the building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is the least efficient. The better the rating, the more energy-efficient the building is, and the lower the fuel bills are likely to be. Each energy rating is based on the characteristics of the building itself and its services (such as heating and lighting). Hence this type of rating is known as an asset rating.

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EPCs will help householders work out how to reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions. Fridges and other kitchen appliances already feature energy ratings, and manufacturers and consumers have become familiar with them. However, refrigeration and cooking account for less than 10% of the energy used in a typical house; heating and hot water account for more than 75% of the total.

A “You Gov” poll suggests that more than 70% of people want to know about the energy efficiency of the homes they are buying, and believe it is a good idea to rate them.

The Government is also talking to mortgage lenders about the idea of lower-rate mortgages for eco-friendly properties and promising “average homebuyers” of lower-rated homes grants of up to £300 to improve their properties. This in itself would more than cover the cost of the Energy Performance Certificate.