Partial government response indicates direction of Energy Performance of Buildings regime reform
Inspired can help ensure your portfolio remains compliant in the changing regulatory landscape.
New document sets out plans to introduce four new headline metrics on new-style domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), the retention of the existing headline metric on non-domestic EPCs, and updates on buildings where EPCs will be required following reform – subject to parliamentary approvals.
What is the context?
Between December 2024 and February 2025, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero sought views on changes to EPCs, Display Energy Certificates (DECs), and air conditioning inspection reports (ACIRs).
What is the latest?
According to the partial response document, the government intends to:
- Maintain the single carbon-based Environmental Impact Rating as the headline metric for non-domestic EPCs.
- Replace the existing single cost metric for domestic EPCs with four new headline metrics: energy cost, fabric performance, heating system and smart readiness.
- Maintain the current ten-year validity period for reformed EPCs, whilst existing EPCs will retain their ten-year validity.
- Update regulations, so an EPC is required at the point of marketing a property rather than the point of sale or rent.
- Clarify the scope of the EPC regime by requiring a valid EPC to be provided for a whole House in Multiple Occupation when a single room is let, short-term rental properties irrespective of who pays energy bills, and removing exemptions for heritage properties.
What happens next?
A further government response covering the remaining parts of the consultation – when DECs are required, EPC and DEC data, managing EPC quality, ACIRs and additional questions – is set to be published this year.
According to the partial response document, government is “working hard to deliver new EPCs from October 2026.”
Where can I find more information?
The partial government response document is available on the gov.uk website.
How can Inspired help?
Although further details of the Energy Performance of Buildings reform are to be confirmed, an expert partner can help ensure your portfolio remains compliant in the changing regulatory landscape.
If you require Energy Performance Certificates, Display Energy Certificates or Air Conditioning Inspection Reports, Inspired’s in-house team can support you.
Our accredited assessors can carry out site surveys, issuing certifications and recommendations. We can also help you act on any recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of your building, reduce your carbon footprint and cut down your costs.
If you would like to discuss how our experts can support you, please email us at [email protected]
