EPC reforms to enhance clarity for Scottish consumers

The Scottish Government has announced plans to reform Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to enhance clarity for consumers regarding their homes’ energy efficiency and to support wider efforts to cut emissions from homes and buildings.

The proposed changes include a new EPC rating system designed to provide clearer information about a property’s fabric energy efficiency, the emissions and running costs of its heating system, and overall energy expenses under standardised conditions.

The EPC format will undergo a redesign aimed at improving user comprehension, while the validity period of these certificates will be shortened from ten years to five. This change is intended to ensure that consumers receive more timely and relevant information regarding their homes’ energy performance.

The reforms are subject to Parliamentary approval and are expected to take effect in 2026. Key elements of the proposed changes include:

• Introduction of a new EPC rating system for both domestic and non-domestic buildings.
• A redesigned EPC certificate based on user testing, with plans for further testing before implementation.
• Reduction of the EPC validity period from ten to five years.
• Development of a dynamic EPC user interface to complement the published certificates.
• Strengthening of operational governance for EPC assessors and Approved Organisations to enhance consumer quality assurance.
• Establishment of a new technical infrastructure to replace the current Standard Assessment Procedure with the UK Home Energy Model calculation methodology, alongside a new EPC Register that will share information with the UK Government.

A technical consultation will also be conducted to discuss the level of EPC lodgement fees, allowing stakeholders to further contribute to the development of the new regulations.

EPCs in Scotland remain a source of information only, unlike in other parts of the UK where they are linked to minimum energy efficiency standards.

Alasdair Allan, acting minister for climate action, says:

“Energy Performance Certificates are a vital source of information for home and building owners and potential purchasers. By improving the EPC we can give everyone a clearer picture of the actual energy efficiency of a home. These improvements reflect feedback from external groups including consumer organisations and the Climate Change Committee, as well as from industry, and are in line with changes to EPCs being implemented elsewhere in the UK and in Europe.”