What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

In Scotland an EPC displays the approximate CO2 emissions and energy usage of the building based on a standardised use of the building. The rate is expressed as the CO2 emissions in kg per m2 of floor area per year, and it determines where the building sits on a seven band scale from A to G.

An EPC for a commercial property comes in three parts; the main certificate with the distinctive EU energy graph, an energy output page and a recommendations section. The recommendations section outlines ways to improve the EPC rating.

An EPC rates the energy efficiency of the building by applying zoning methods to calculate the energy efficiency of the building and estimating how much carbon dioxide escapes into the atmosphere. The EPC does not show what the actual energy use of the building is or has been. In general, the newer the building the better the EPC rating.