Energy Efficiency

The retrofit process can be hard in terms of where to start. Below, you can find sources of information that can help homeowners make the right decision:

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• A good source of advice is your home's energy performance certificate

• This certificate gives a property a rating from A (most energy efficient) to G (least energy efficient)

• This certificate is valid for 10 years

• This certificate contains information about:

1. a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
2. recommendations to improve a property’s energy efficiency and save money

• An EPC is needed whenever a property is built, sold, or rented. Failure to have a valid EPC can result in a £200 fine

• You can find out if your property has already had an EPC assessment search for free on the Government’s register. You can also view the EPC of other properties free of charge

• If your property does not have an EPC or it has expired, you can find an EPC assessor online. An EPC assessment cost changes dependent on

1. the size of your property,
2. the location of your property,
3. the type of building.

• Obtaining quotes from multiple assessors can ensure you are getting the best deal

• The energy rating of a home is calculated according to the number of Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) points a property has. Find out which measures carry which number of points and view the current SAP standard (Version 10.2).

Retrofit Assessment

• Retrofit assessments offer an in depth look at your home compared to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• This is a key part of the PAS 2035 process that will help to ensure that your home is retrofit in the best way for the building and how you use it
• It includes:

1. Occupancy assessment
2. Energy assessment
3. Ventilation assessment
4. Condition assessment of the property

• It helps choose the measures that are right for your property in its local context. For example, constrained access may mean that External Wall Insulation is not suitable for your home
• The assessment is sent to a Retrofit Coordinator who will create a medium term improvement plan for your home. They will also take responsibility for the project from start to finish
• The coordinator considers your goals, budget, and unique circumstances when deciding on what package of measures to recommend
• The medium term plan will look up to thirty years ahead and show you the ideal phases for retrofit measures. For example, upgrades to insulation before adding a new heating system ensures that a ‘whole house’ approach is taken and measures are not viewed in isolation
• A Retrofit Assessor must be accredited by a Retrofit Assessor scheme, such as STROMA, ECMK, or Elmhurst