Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime

We have published a a partial response to the Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime consultation. It confirms plans to introduce four new headline metrics on new-style domestic 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. A further response covering the remaining parts of the consultation will be published in 2026.

Government is committed to reforming the Energy Performance of Buildings regime to provide a system which:

• provides homeowners and tenants with accurate information about the energy performance of their homes to allow them to make informed investment and purchase decisions
• provides accurate information to determine eligibility for schemes and measure progress against government targets
• provides an information tool to support a range of actions including reducing carbon emissions, tackling fuel poverty, improving decency and the Warm Homes Plan  
• reflects the needs of wider users of EPCs beyond homeowners and tenants, such as suppliers of energy efficiency products and services, as well as lenders

To achieve this, the consultation includes proposed reforms to enhance the regime in 5 critical areas:

• updating what EPCs measure through additional metrics
• updating when energy certificates are required by refining the rules for obtaining EPCs and DECs
• managing energy certificate quality
• improving the accessibility of building performance data
• strengthening the quality of air conditioning inspection reports