Energy Performance of Buildings consultation response

Together with members, UKGBC has responded to the Government's consultation with recommendations for reform of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system.
Climate Change Mitigation Retrofit Policy Document

The vision for a reformed framework is one that reflects modern policy priorities ensuring it is efficient, relevant, and aligned with goals such as net zero, the Warm Homes Plan, and reducing fuel poverty. Buildings account for around 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, and improving building energy performance is crucial to meeting net zero targets.

The government is proposing to use multiple metrics on EPCs to provide a more comprehensive view of a building’s energy performance. We welcome this as the current single headline metric is insufficient to meet diverse consumer and policy needs. The proposed metrics are welcome, but we argue for greater weight to be given to a carbon metric, the need for inclusion of climate risk metrics, and numerous consumer testing and awareness campaigns to ensure new metrics are not alienating and do no result in inaction.

In this response, drawn from consultation with our members, we advocate for an EPC system which is more dynamic, adapting to technological advancements and changing consumer behaviour to encourage innovation and the adoption of effective solutions which will bring down carbon and address fuel poverty.

Download the consultation response here

EPC Consultation Response

Download204.74 Kb

Policy & Advocacy

Since 2007, we have been bringing together some of the most influential leaders in politics, business, local authorities, civil service and NGOs to accelerate action for a green built environment.
Learn more

Related