Latest news with #EnergyPerformanceCertificates
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How to improve your EPC rating in seven steps
Every UK property is legally required to have an EPC assessment if you are selling it, renting it out or it's been newly built. EPCs are reported as grades, and they're calculated based on two factors: the amount of energy used per square metre, and the level of carbon emissions per year (measured in tonnes). Not only are more energy-efficient properties cheaper to run, they can also command higher house prices and may be eligible for 'green mortgages', which can come with preferential rates. However, the system has garnered criticism and is particularly disliked by landlords, who may need to spend thousands to hit Labour's EPC targets. The Government is currently consulting on an overhaul of the system, with the Home Energy Model due to be unveiled in 2026 – and a new assessment process introduced this year means achieving the coveted 'C' grade is more difficult than ever. Here, Telegraph Money explains the steps you can take to improve an EPC. What are EPC ratings? Why should you consider improving your EPC? Seven-step guide to improving your EPC Energy Performance Certificate FAQs EPC ratings refer to Energy Performance Certificates. Properties are assessed on a range of factors, including ventilation, property size, layout, windows, doors and lighting, among others. Properties are scored on a scale of 1 to 100, and given a letter rating from A (extremely efficient) to G (extremely inefficient). The average EPC rating for properties in England and Wales is 'D'. The ratings system itself has also garnered criticism, with consumer group Which? branding it 'inaccurate and misleading.' For landlords however, EPCs present a challenge. Currently, a minimum grade of 'E' is required for rental accommodation, but the current Government has resurrected the requirement for it to be 'C' or above by 2030. For new tenancies, requirements kick in from 2028. This could cost investors thousands of pounds – particularly if they own older buildings, which tend to be less energy-efficient. The work needed could involve anything from insulating a property's attic, at a cost of a few hundred pounds, to overhauling its energy network and installing a heat pump and solar panels. The Government is consulting on a complete overhaul of the EPC system. Reforms suggested by Labour include several metrics previously overlooked by current EPCs, including insulation quality and carbon emissions, as well as 'the capacity to integrate with smart technology', such as smart meters and dynamic energy tariffs. The consultation published by Labour this month, said: 'Smart meters, intelligent appliances like EV charging points, solar PV battery storage, and heat pumps – along with smart tariffs and services – will enable and encourage users to adapt their consumption patterns to match periods of cheap, abundant low-carbon electricity supply.' While making EPC improvements can cost money, there are financial advantages to a higher rating: Lower running costs. The process should lower your energy bills – and if you choose to do something like installing solar panels or a home battery, you could even make money from the selling extra energy they produce back to the National Grid. Preferential mortgage rates. If you qualify for a green mortgage, you might get offered better interest rates. You could also get a better price when you come to sell. Higher property values. Potential buyers are known to value potential energy savings and a higher EPC grade can suggest that recent work has been done on the property. Avoiding fines. As a landlord, you can face a hefty penalties for properties that aren't up to scratch. Identifying opportunities. Your own EPC will suggest changes that could upgrade your property's efficiency and help it reach a higher rating. There are lots of things you can do to improve your property's energy efficiency – while some are simple, like changing the lightbulbs you use, some will be larger projects. Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting Insulate your roof and walls Invest in double or triple-glazed windows Upgrade to a more efficient boiler Install underfloor heating Implement smart heating controls Explore renewable energy options Energy-efficient lighting refers to replacing your current lightbulbs to LED equivalents. According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), switching to 50-watt halogen bulbs could save you £4 per lightbulb over the course of a year. This change is becoming less of a choice and more of a necessity, since companies are no longer allowed to manufacture inefficient halogen lightbulbs. The only instances where you might still see them is where shops are still selling their old stock. As part of the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) 10 changes introduced on June 15 2025, EPC assessors will be required to count the number of lightbulbs in a property, and record whether they are LEDs or not. Around the house, the EST says it's still common to find inefficient bulbs in ovens, cooker hoods and security lights. The insulation a house might require depends on when it was built; it is considerably more expensive for older homes. Those built after the 1920s typically have cavity walls, which cost around £1,000 to insulate. Solid walls, more common in older houses, cost about £12,000 to insulate externally and £8,500 internally, excluding redecorating costs. Floor insulation is between £1,600 and £2,900 for a typical 'suspended' floor. Following the aforementioned RdSAP 10 changes introduced in June 2025, energy assessors will be required to record whether individual walls are exposed or sheltered. The new criteria also require assessors to measure the thickness of walls to the nearest 25mm, with a minimum value of 10mm. Assessors must also record whether any top floor rooms are 'true in roof' (meaning there are no walls) or if it is a 'room in roof' (meaning it has walls at least 1.8m high). Lastly, PdSAP 10 requires assessors to record ventilation entries beyond open fireplaces, including blocked chimneys, open flues, extract fans, passive stack vents, and flueless gas fires. Insulation costs can be trimmed by sourcing cheaper materials. Savvy landlords can salvage insulation from local building works that would otherwise end up in a skip by using online marketplaces such as Facebook or Gumtree. Some are slashing their maintenance costs by 25pc by collecting building materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Apps have been developed for this very purpose, such as Sustainability Yard, where materials being traded for up to 80pc less than when they are new, with 30pc going for free. One of the best ways to protect your home from draughts and heat – not to mention noisy neighbours – is by investing in your windows. As of June 2025, assessors are required to measure every window, and record orientation, frame type (i.e. PVC), glazing type and gap, how old the glazing is, draught proofing, whether or not the window has shutters, and the location within the property. There are different window ratings, which reveal the cost and energy efficiency. For example, a set of 'A-rated' windows for a semi-detached house will typically cost around £7,500. However, the EST estimates that in an entirely single-glazed semi-detached property with gas heating, adding A-rated double glazing could save £195 a year and 330kg of carbon dioxide. If your property is a listed building, or in a conservation area, you may need to consider specialist double glazing options that match the design and thickness of the original windows. Swapping out a gas boiler for a heat pump is a big decision – and one many homeowners will eventually face. New-build homes will not be built with gas boilers from 2025, although the Government has shelved a proposed ban on replacing them in existing homes. Heat pumps are the alternative. Households in England and Wales can get up to £7,500 to put towards the switch via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which is due to run until 31 December 2027. The EST recommends homes should be property insulated, with bigger radiators and underfloor heating before a heat pump is installed, which could add thousands to the cost of a switch. Underfloor heating can work with a heat pump or gas boiler, and it can be a more efficient way to heat a room than radiators. However, it can also be expensive and messy to install. You can opt for electric or water underfloor heating. Electric involves a wire being connected to the mains, which heats up when the system is turned on. It can be easier and cheaper to install, and is quicker to warm up. According to Checkatrade, the average installation cost for electric underfloor heating as part of a renovation will set you back between £60-£85 per square metre. Water underfloor heating works via a network of pipes. When they are filled with warm water, the pipes heat up and spread that heat to the flooring. This can take a while, and the system is expensive to install. Checkatrade says it costs an average of £135-£185 per square metre as part of a renovation. However, it can have cheaper running costs once in place. There's little point using energy to heat rooms that no one's in, which is why smart heating systems that allow homeowners to boost the temperature in certain rooms and at specific times of day are becoming increasingly popular. Some can be controlled via smartphone apps. This can be handy if your plans change because you can delay or bring forward when the heating comes on. Implementing smart technology into your home will also benefit your EPC in the long run, as Labour's proposed Home Energy Model is planned to favour such technology. Solar panels are one of the most common sources of renewable energy, costing £5,500 on average according to the EST. This depends on the type of panel, the size of the area covered and any difficulties with access to the roof. The opportunity to create your own energy can help reduce your bills, and it's also possible to sell what you don't use. However, this will require an energy storage system, which usually includes a battery that allows you to capture the energy generated. In terms of cost savings, you'll need to weigh up the battery installation cost and the fact that some last longer than others. The EST suggests asking an installer to tell you the predicted lifespan and cost savings before going ahead with any battery storage purchases. Other renewable energy options include wind turbines and hydroelectricity. Research by Knight Frank suggests that improving an EPC rating can add up to £20,000 to the property's value – thanks to buyers valuing the potential energy savings and recognising that a higher EPC grade suggests recent maintenance has been carried out. The average EPC rating for properties in England and Wales is 'D'. There can be significant savings if you're able to improve your rating. Currently, landlords must make sure accommodation is rated 'E' or above. By 2030, a minimum grade of 'C' will be required for all rental homes, but for new tenancies the required grade must be met by 2028.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Cost of major home building projects drops by up to 28%
Enquiries about 'big ticket' home improvements increased in the last quarter, according to new data from Checkatrade. While the quarter-on-quarter figures were strong, the year-on-year picture was, however, more mixed, the platform said. The number of households enquiring about getting a new bathroom fitted via trades on Checkatrade in the first quarter of 2025 increased by 17 per cent compared to the previous quarter. However, annually, bathroom fitting enquiries were down 9 per cent, the findings added. The data suggests enquiries for kitchen fittings jumped 11 per cent quarter-on-quarter, while queries about larger-scale work like extensions or structural modifications rose 17 per cent. Enquiries from households to the platform about Energy Performance Certificates reportedly surged 151 per cent year-on-year in the quarter, while demand for waste removal or cleaning services also rose sharply. According to Checkatrade's latest research, 'seasonal trends', falling prices and more people looking to sell their homes led to the upturn in the number of people looking to get certain major works done on their home in the first quarter. Its figures suggest the average cost of a building job in the quarter fell to £12,065, compared to £13,964 at the same point a year ago, representing a 14 per cent fall. Checkatrade said the average cost of kitchen fittings was down a fifth from £7,509 to £6,093. It added: 'These figures are corroborated by an annual fall in costs. For example, the cost of the average building job has fallen 28 per cent year-on-year, when comparing the first quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2024. 'Likewise, costs for kitchen fittings have fallen 14 per cent year-on-year and bricklaying costs are down 14 per cent. 'Meanwhile, electrician costs are down 24 per cent and plumbing costs are down 17 per cent year-on-year.' The group said enquiries about architectural services and home heating remained flat year-on-year. Checkatrade's Home Improvement Index analysed more than 10million job enquiries via its platform this year. Jambu Palaniappan, chief executive at Checkatrade, said: 'Our first Home Improvement Index of 2025 shows a good start for the home improvement and tradesperson industry. 'The strong increases since the last quarter show a positive trajectory for 2025. 'While we often see increases in Q1 due to seasonal trends, this could have been more muted this year due to many consumers taking a more cautious approach with their money when it comes to bigger spending. 'But a trend of falling prices on key jobs and a competitive selling season has helped ensure the market remains resilient and has led to a strong start to the year.' He added: 'Looking at the wider picture, year-on-year performance shows a more mixed perspective with some types of jobs up, others down, and others in line with this time last year.' In July 2024, Checkatrade said it had blocked a record 668 tradespeople who had failed its checks, representing a 13 per cent increase year-on-year. The company said its 12-point vetting process rejected applicants for failing to evidence documentation such as proof of identity and address, a poor trading history or negative online reviews. It said in July that roofing was the most challenging home improvement service, with roofers comprising 19 per cent of those turned away, followed by driveway companies and landscapers. Figures from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy published in 2022 claimed unscrupulous traders cost homeowners approximately £1.4billion a year. Earlier this year, Palaniappan said the group had blocked more than 1,300 applicants from Checkatrade in 2024. How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. > Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
Pembrokeshire Herald
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
New Welsh Housing Survey to be launched after eight-year gap
Survey will include home inspections and fuel poverty data A NEW nationwide housing survey is set to take place in Wales for the first time since 2017. The Welsh Government has confirmed it will commission a new Welsh Housing Survey in 2027-28, following pressure from housing experts and members of the Senedd. The survey will provide up-to-date evidence on housing conditions, fuel poverty, and the quality of homes across Wales. Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said she had approved the business case to move forward with the project, which will be more detailed than the previous survey delivered in 2017-18. The Herald understands that the survey will be broadly comparable to the English Housing Survey and will consist of two parts: a social survey and a physical home inspection. The social survey will collect data from households, including income levels and housing experiences, to support fuel poverty analysis. Meanwhile, qualified surveyors will carry out home inspections to assess the fabric and condition of properties. Ms Bryant said: 'Administrative data like Energy Performance Certificates and council tax records are increasingly used, but they cannot fully meet our evidence requirements. A comprehensive survey is still needed.' She added that the expanded survey will help inform a wide range of policies, including those on affordable housing, second homes, and homelessness. A tendering process will begin by the end of the 2025-26 financial year, with fieldwork due to start in 2027-28. Headline results are expected in 2028-29, with a full report to follow in 2029-30. The Cabinet Secretary said she would keep Members of the Senedd updated as the work progresses.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GCCA introduces global Low Carbon Ratings system for cement and concrete
The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has unveiled the Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) for cement and concrete, a global rating system aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials. The LCR is designed to guide customers in choosing construction materials, employing an AA to G scale for comparison. The LCR system is inspired by existing energy performance evaluation tools, including the EU's Energy Performance Certificates and the US Home Energy Rating System, and offers a 'simple, transparent, and adaptable' approach for stakeholders in the construction sector. Builders, architects, governments, planners, and consumers can now make more informed decisions regarding the sustainability of the materials used. This new carbon rating system for cement and concrete is stated to provide 'consistency and comparability'. It features a simple visual graphic to denote the carbon efficiency of a product. The LCR is intended to complement Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which are verified by third parties. Countries have the option to adopt the global ratings as they stand or tailor them to align with local carbon accounting standards. GCCA chief executive Thomas Guillot said: 'Cement and concrete are the foundations of modern life - from the buildings we live and work in, to the roads we travel, and the infrastructure that supports clean water and green energy. As global demand for sustainable construction grows, the need for greater transparency around the carbon footprint of construction materials is more critical than ever.' 'Our Low Carbon Ratings system supports more sustainable procurement practices and will empower the entire value chain to accelerate decarbonisation. 'With this rating system in place, governments, policymakers and the private sector can now prioritise lower carbon cement and concrete in the procurement process, which will in turn further stimulate the industry's focus on decarbonising these essential building materials.' "GCCA introduces global Low Carbon Ratings system for cement and concrete" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Barnama
24-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
World's first Low Carbon Ratings system for Cement and Concrete launches
LONDON, April 24 (Bernama) -- The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) announces the launch of Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) for Cement and Concrete - a first-of-its-kind transparent global rating system that will enable cement and concrete to be identified based on their carbon footprints. The ratings system is designed to help customers prioritise sustainability when selecting construction materials by using a clear and intuitive AA to G scale. Inspired by well-known appraising schemes such as the EU's Energy Performance Certificates and the US Home Energy Rating System, the LCR offers a simple, transparent, and adaptable tool that helps builders, architects, governments, planners, and consumers everywhere in the world to make more informed and sustainable choices.
