To summarise:-

• An EPC is required whenever a building is sold, constructed or rented outThe EPC shows the energy efficiency rating (relating to running costs) of a dwelling. The rating is shown on an A–G rating scale similar to those used for refrigerators and other electrical appliances.
• The EPC includes recommendations on how to improve the dwelling’s energy efficiency. There is no statutory requirement to carry out any of the recommended energy efficiency measures stated. The EPC also includes information showing which of these measures would be eligible for finance under the Green Deal scheme, if they were to be carried out. Important information on the Green Deal can be found at www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures/green-deal
• When a new home is constructed, it is the responsibility of the builder to provide an EPC when the building is physically completed.
• Landlords and sellers must provide an EPC free of charge to interested parties at the earliest opportunity and must provide a full copy of the EPC to the person who takes up the tenancy or the successful buyer

• Estate agents and other third parties must ensure that an EPC has been commissioned before they can market a property for sale or rent. In addition, all advertisements in the commercial media must clearly show the property’s EPC rating, where this is available .
• The requirement to attach the front page of the Certificate to any written materials will be removed
• EPCs are valid for 10 years and can be reused as many times as required within that period. It is not necessary to commission a new EPC each time there is a change of tenant, or the property is sold. Where more than one EPC is produced for a building, the most recent EPC is the valid one
• In the social or private rental sector, an EPC is not required for any property that was occupied prior to 1 October 2008 and which continues to be occupied by the same tenant. However, landlords may commission EPCs for these dwellings if they wish

Alongside this, the DCLG has published the following supporting documents:

• A guide to energy performance certificates for the construction, sale and let of non-dwellings – HERE
• A guide to display energy certificates and advisory reports for public buildings – HERE
• A guide to air conditioning inspections for buildings – HERE
• Local weights and measures authority guidance for energy performance certificates and air conditioning inspections for buildings – HERE
• Recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive - impact assessment – HERE

We will be providing additional guidance once we have received clarification on a number of points