Sussex Energy Group at SPRU

Usually as a researcher I base my insights on the research and systematic empirical studies I carry out. However, on this particular occasion, the insights are of a more personal nature. Having started to do research on building energy efficiency policies about a year ago, I was interested to be faced with one specific policy instrument in the course of relocating from Finland to the UK – the Energy Performance Certificate.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides an assessment of the level of insulation of the property, its heating system, hot water and lighting, giving an overall energy efficiency rating and an environmental impact (CO2) rating. In other words, it provides a common standard against which all buildings can be compared and measured. All European countries are mandated to have a scheme in place for EPCs of both new and existing buildings, following the European Performance of Buildings Directive. Ideally, the EPC improves the quality of properties both for sale and let and encourages new investment on building energy efficiency through increased disclosure of information:

“Through the provision of information about a buildings’ energy performance, new occupiers are given the opportunity to make well-informed choices about the property thus changing the characteristics that drive value in the property market.”

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