Energy Performance Certificates Compulsory from 1st June 2007 The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be compulsory in June 2007 for all domestic dwellings that are put on the open market. The EPC is used to calculate the energy efficiency of a dwelling. Ratings range from 1 to 100 with the higher the score, the more energy efficient the property. These ratings are based on the energy costs for space and water heating. They establish a way for both the homeowner and purchaser to understand the running costs and environmental impact of the property. You will only be allowed to employ the services of a qualified approved Domestic Energy Assessor to issue you with an energy performance certificate. The Domestic Energy Assessor will record the key information that affects the energy efficiency of the property. For example, the depth of insulation in the roof will be measured as will the efficiency of the boiler. All this data is entered into a computer program that calculates the energy efficiency and produces a result on an easy to read scale. The energy report also includes energy saving measures that can be taken to reduce household bills. These include general recommendations applicable to us all and specific points for that individual property. The proposed measures are recommendations only and a guide price to the possible savings is also given. The overall efficiency is shown on a colour bar chart similar to that seen on a new fridge or freezer. The average rating of a new build property is also shown as comparison and the potential rating if the recommended measures are implemented can also be seen.