The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

The Energy Performance Certificate is a key part of the Government's strategy to reduce the 27 per cent of carbon emissions that come from homes. It will be the first document within the Home Information Pack.

At present most buyers of existing homes have little if any information about the energy efficiency of the home they are thinking of buying, what it will cost to heat, or what might be done to make it more energy efficient.

From 1 August 2007, EPCs will enable buyers of properties with four or more bedrooms to compare the energy efficiency of a potential home before they buy it or even put in an offer. Prepared by qualified home inspectors, the certificates will give home buyers and sellers A to G ratings for their home's energy efficiency and carbon emissions, together with current average costs for heating, hot water and lighting. They will also suggest practical steps to reduce carbon emissions and save on energy bills.

EPCs for smaller properties will be introduced on a phased basis once sufficient energy assessors are fully qualified.