Josh Owen explores some of the possibilities coming out of the forthcoming EPC scheme changes

Plans to ensure that all rented properties across the UK will have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030 are underway. Presently, just over 2.5 million rented properties maintain an EPC rating in between D and G, and so will need to have energy efficiency upgrades carried out to comply with the new legislation. This could offer a major business boost to the UK HVAC industry, providing an unprecedented commercial opportunity that could help to stimulate the UK economy and grow installers’ businesses. 

Establishing energy efficiency

An EPC evaluates and determines the energy efficiency of a property, paying particular attention to its heating and hot water systems, the specific building fabric that makes up the walls, floors and ceiling, the efficiency of its windows, lighting and any renewable technology within the building. 

Once a final rating – somewhere between A and G – is established for the property, a list of suggestions regarding potential upgrades will also be presented to the landlord. 

The current minimum EPC rating for a rented domicile is E. For landlords to be able to continue letting their properties after 2030, a minimum EPC rating of C will need to be obtained. Each landlord will potentially have to consider upgrading their rental properties with double-glazed windows, cavity wall or loft insulation, as well as upgrading heating systems, to improve the building fabric ‘U-Values’ and thus make the property more efficient. 

An opportunity for growth

Installers should be aware that a substantial amount of work may be required to ensure these properties can meet the new regulations by 2030. The UK government has calculated that homes that fall below the minimum C rating could have to pay anywhere from £6,100 and £6,800.

Additionally, the new regulations could stipulate that landlords will have the frequency of EPC renewals increased, while Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) will require a valid EPC for the entire property once a single room is rented.

Based on the previous government’s original consultation on these plans,  it has been estimated that the proposals cover around 85% of the non-domestic rented stock and will deliver up to 10.3TWh in energy savings by 2030, as well as 4.1MtCO2e of carbon (non-traded) over Carbon Budget 5 (2028-2032). 

A large number of respondents during the consultation period highlighted that, while the then-government’s ambition was appropriate, there were significant implementation issues that needed addressing to enable the policy to be successful. This conclusion was supported by the Government’s pilot study, which ran from 2018-2019 and looked at how the enforcement of the Private Rented Sector Regulations could be improved.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

Josh Owen is part of the Rinnai Technical Design team.