The Scottish Government have recently published their response to their EPC reform consultation. They have confirmed their intention to introduce the new Regulations in 2025, bringing them into force in 2026.
An EPC is needed whenever a property is sold or let. They help to provide an understanding of the climate impact and running costs of a building.
The Scottish Government’s plans aim to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of EPC’s which will likely result in their increased significance in future climate-focused government initiatives and regulations in Scotland.
Some of the key anticipated changes are as follows:
- Adoption of a new EPC rating system for domestic buildings to include Heat Retention Ratings, Heating System Type Rating and Energy Cost Rating.
- Adoption of a new EPC rating system to include the Energy Efficiency Rating based on modelled emissions from regulated energy use.
- Adoption of a redesigned EPC certificate. The A to G graphics will remain. Additional rating and associated information will be added.
- Reduction of the EPC validity period from 10 to 5 years.
- Development of a new dynamic EPC user interface to sit alongside published EPC’s
- A change to operational governance for EPC assessors and Approved Organisations to improve quality assurance.
- Establishing a new technical infrastructure to replace the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) with the new UK Home Energy Model (HEM) calculation methodology together with a new EPC register.
Clearly with some much change ahead, early engagement with your Solicitor/Estate Agent is key to ensure you understand how the changes might affect you when it comes to your property purchase or sale. Please call us on 0131 622 2626 to speak to one of our experts.