A new report offers independent analysis of the consultation on EPC reform, held by the Scottish Government to gain views and greater understanding on what could be achieved in this area, has been issued.
Scottish Government writes:
The Scottish Government committed in the Heat in Buildings Strategy to bring forward proposals to reform Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). This is in response to criticisms from key stakeholders such as the Climate Change Committee that certificates are not properly aligned with meeting net zero objectives. Feedback from an initial consultation on EPC reform in 2021 led to further policy development. It is now considered that a revised set of ratings[1] is likely to be needed on the certificates to improve the ability of EPCs to support net zero policies.
In July 2023, the Scottish Government launched a public consultation on EPC reform, which ended in October 2023. This sought views on wider reforms in domestic and non-domestic EPCs to ensure they are fit for purpose to support future heat in buildings regulations. The consultation gave all who wished to comment an opportunity to do so. However, given the self-selecting nature of this type of exercise, any figures quoted here cannot be extrapolated to a wider population outwith the respondent sample.
There was broad support from organisations for the principal elements of EPC reform set out in the consultation paper. These included a revised rating system; a shortened validity period; a digital and accessible format; and changes to the operational system.
Individuals were less supportive of EPC reform because of perceived concerns about affordability and the practicality of energy upgrades. Many individuals felt that a standardised EPC model is not suitable for certain types of property, including traditional stone-built properties, tenements and listed buildings. As such, there were some requests for more individualised EPCs for different types of property. There were calls for EPCs to be presented clearly in a user-friendly and easy to understand format so that all users understand the information presented. There were calls for funding packages and grants to be made available for people to undertake retrofit measures. The Scottish Government did not propose that a reformed EPC would force people into undertaking retrofit measures. However, there was also a perception from many individuals that EPCs could be used to force people into undertaking retrofit measures or preventing house sales.
