Energy Performance Certificates
What is an EPC?
An EPC or Energy Performance Certificate shows the energy efficiency of a building with a rating given between 1-100. It will give information on the property’s current energy use and typical energy costs.
The report will provide recommendations on how to improve the energy rating and make savings on energy costs.
The colour-coded chart provides a rating between A (being the most efficient) to G (being the least efficient) and shows the potential the building could reach if improvements were made.
EPCs apply also to commercial buildings and are rated only by Carbon Dioxide emission ratings on a scale of A-G.
Domestic EPC Services
The most efficient homes, which should have the lowest fuel bills are categorised in band A (being rated the best in energy performance as a whole).
The Certificate will tell you on a scale of A-G, the energy efficiency of your home along with the potential scale after improvements are made, with 'A' being the most efficient home.
Better-rated homes should have less impact through Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, the EPC will show the amount of CO2 emissions produced by that property in tonnes, and will advise on the amount this could be reduced by.
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.
Commercial EPC Services
SBEM Calculations are the commercial equivalent of SAP Calculations.
SBEM stands for 'Simplified Building Energy Model'.
These calculations are informed by the National Calculation Methodology (NCM). Originally based on Dutch energy performance guides, SBEM calculations came into effect as part of the UK Building Regulations in 2006 and are designed to measure the energy performance of all new non-residential properties, conversions and extensions.
You need these calculations to make sure your building complies with Part L (England & Wales), Section 6 (Scotland) or Part F1 (Northern Ireland) of the most recent version of The Building Regulations. It is recommended that you get your calculations as early in your project as possible, so if your building should fail, our team can give you advise on how to improve.
SBEM Calculations with UKBC
AH Surveys offers both L2A and L2B SBEM calculations for new builds and extensions or conversions respectively. Our service includes:
• Target Emissions Rate (TER) and Building Emissions Rate (BER) measurements.
• Buildings Regulations UK Part L documents (BRUKL report).
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
• Complete comprehensive support and guidance throughout the entire SBEM calculations process, with consultancy and design advice included in the price.
EPCs apply also to domestic buildings and are rated only by Carbon Dioxide emission ratings on a scale of A-G.
In England, Your SBEM Calculations Measure Four Criteria:
• Making sure the Building Emission Rate (BER) does not exceed the Target Emission Rate (TER).
• Assessing building fabric and the HVAC systems (heating, cooling and ventilation), hot water and fixed lighting systems to make sure they achieve reasonable overall standards of energy efficiency.
• Demonstrating appropriate passive control measures to limit solar gains during summer months, in order to reduce the need for air conditioning systems.
• Making sure there are the necessary provisions for enabling the energy efficient operation of the building put in place.
SBEM calculations come in two formats; L2A (new builds) and 2B (extensions and conversions). The primary purpose of the calculations is to produce a BRUKL (Building Regulations Part L) report in order to create a new or updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
EPCs apply also to commercial buildings and are rated only by Carbon Dioxide emission ratings on a scale of A-G.
New Build EPC Services
A new build EPC is generally produced using architects plans and drawings, together with detailed information around construction, heating and hot water systems, among others. It can be produced either at the design stage and/or once the property had been built.
Any new dwelling or dwellings created by conversion or change of use in the UK, require an On Construction Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before being sold or let. This is produced using Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) software, from which we can also produce a full SAP report.
Prices for new build EPCs vary depending on the amount of properties involved and the complexity of the build. Please contact us and we will be more than happy to give you a quote, whatever your requirements may be.
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.
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