Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to standardise Energy Performance Certificate assessments.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are intended to provide prospective buyers and tenants with a guide to the energy costs of different properties, which is simple to understand and allows comparison between properties.

A standardised methodology is used in the assessments of EPCs. The current methodology can be found here. The software used to calculate EPC ratings in existing properties is the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP).

Not all buildings are used in the same way, so the energy rating uses ‘standard occupancy’ assumptions which may be different from the way the building is used. We acknowledge that occupant behaviour is an important factor in determining the energy use of buildings. Encouraging occupants to use buildings more efficiently will be important in achieving the net zero target.