Information for Members of the Public
This section is aimed at members of the public and individuals who do not have a detailed knowledge of the Energy Rating Industry. It provides useful information about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), how to find an Accredited Energy Assessor and routes to entry to becoming an Energy Assessor.
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Information about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
What is an Energy performance Certificate (EPC)? EPCs tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes - which should have the lowest fuel bills - are in band A. The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment. Energy Performance Certificates apply also to commercial buildings and are rated only by Carbon Dioxide emission ratings on a scale of A-G. |
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Who can produce EPCs?
Only fully Accredited Energy Assessors can produce EPCs. A fully Accredited Assessor must be a member of an Accreditation Scheme such as Elmhurst Energy. The Scheme ensures that the Accredited Energy Assessor produces EPCs in accordance with Government guidelines.
When do I need an EPC?
EPCs are legally required for any building that is to be put on the market for sale or for rental purposes irrespective of whether you are selling/renting privately or using an Estate Agent. It is also a requirement for any newly built properties to have an EPC upon completion of the build. It is currently the responsibility of the building owner to ensure that an EPC is available to prospective purchasers and tenants.
How long are EPCs valid for?
Energy Performance Certificates are valid for ten years unless the energy status of the property has changed. This could include the provision of an extension or improvements to the energy efficiency of the building for example a replacement boiler.
Where can I go for further information?
A full list of organisations which may assist further in making you property more energy efficient can be found in our links page.
Finding and Validating an Energy Assessor
How do I find an Elmhurst Accredited Energy Assessor?
Elmhurst Energy provide an online assessor search where you can find a local Accredited Energy Assessor click here for further information.
How do I know that the Energy Assessor visiting my house is genuine?
All Domestic Energy Assessors completing energy assessments on existing dwellings are issued with a valid identity card by Elmhurst. As part of the accreditation requirements a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check is completed on each Domestic Energy Assessor and Elmhurst will not accredit any person who has a criminal record which does not meet the scheme requirements.
How do I know that the Energy Assessor has appropriate insurance?
To be a fully accredited member of any scheme, Energy Assessors must have appropriate professional indemnity insurance. Elmhurst Energy provide this insurance for all it's assessors across all strands.
How does Elmhurst ensure scheme requirements are met by members?
Elmhurst completes Quality Assurance on energy assessments in accordance with the standards set out by government. Sample requests are submitted by each Energy Assessor for quality assurance and feedback is always given regardless of the outcome of the assessment. The Energy Assessor must re-lodge the EPC if it does meet minimum standards and additional assessments are required. Failure to meet the minimum Quality Assurance standards may result in the Energy Assessor been suspended or excluded from the scheme. Elmhurst Energy are also audited by Government to ensure that the scheme as a whole meets government standards. For further details please click here.
Making a complaint.
Initially, if you are unhappy with the assessment completed on your property, we strongly advise that in the first instance you contact the Energy Assessor who produced the EPC. However, if you feel that the complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved and the Assessor is accredited with Elmhurst you can make a complaint directly to Elmhurst. The complaint will be fully investigated to ensure that the Energy Assessor has completed the assessment to the required standards. Please click here for a copy of our complaints procedure.
Becoming an Energy Assessor
How to become an Energy Assessor?
Elmhurst Energy offer a wide range of training for all strands of energy assessment and the requirements for each strand vary depending upon experience, click here to see available training. For existing dwellings, a qualification is required regardless of experience. However, either a qualification or appropriate previous experience learning (APEL) or a qualification is applicable to other stands including On-Construction(new dwellings), Non Domestic and Display Energy Certificates. Click here for further application infomation.
Please remember that if you have a criminal record, you may not be eligible to become accredited for existing dwellings.
