The Energy Performance Certificate
The Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, is a compulsory rating of energy for dwellings and non-dwellings. The concept of this rating is very similar to the labels found on electrical appliances which determine the levels of carbon emitted.
There are two ways of rating the energy level, depending on the type of property in question:
- For dwellings, the EPC has two scale bars showing the rating of the carbon emitted. With this, zero represents the most energy efficient whilst the other extreme is the least efficient.
- For non-dwellings, the EPC has a vertical A to G scale bar, where A is the most energy efficient rating and G is the least efficient rating.
When is an EPC required?
In 2009, it became compulsory for all sellers and landlords of both dwellings and non-dwellings to provide an Energy Performance Certificate to anyone who plans on buying or renting out the property in question. The EPC is to be handed over to the buyer or new tenant, at latest, before the date of entering the promise of sale or rent agreement.
Also, an Energy Performance Certificate is also required for dwellings that undergo Planning Authority development permission to be newly constructed or undergo a change of use.
The following link includes a detailed report of all the laws and regulations that have to do with obtaining the Energy Performance Certificate: https://secure2.gov.mt/epc/file.aspx?f=218
An EPC must be carried out by an EPB (Energy Performance of Buildings) assessor who is registered with the Building Regulation Office. A list of all of the verified assessors can be found at https://secure2.gov.mt/epc/information-assessors?l=1
How long will the Energy Performance Certificate remain valid?
An Energy Performance Certificate for a dwelling is valid for 10 years from the date of its being issued unless there is a change which could affect its energy performance.
