How the EPC is calculated
The Government has chosen to adopt a methodology known as RdSAP to facilitate the production of Energy Performance Certificates. RdSAP stands for Reduced data Standard Assessment Procedure.
It has been devised as a simple and easy to understand method of measuring the overall energy efficiency of a property.
By collecting a number of items of data by means of a short survey, and by applying a number of “defaults” based upon the Building Regulations at the time the property was built , extended or improved, a picture of the overall energy performance of the building is built up.
By making standard assumptions about the degree of heating, occupancy, energy cost and location of the property, it is then possible to produce a document (the EPC) that can be used to compare the relative energy efficiency of different buildings. This allows prospective buyers or tenants of the property to see the energy efficiency and (more importantly, perhaps) the relative cost of heating and lighting.
The Energy Performance Certificate will also highlight areas of the property that can be improved in terms of energy efficiency and the likely cost of such improvements.
