- What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
- How to get an EPC for your property?
- Is it necessary to get an EPC?
- EPC Example – What information is included
1. What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows the energy class of a property (house, apartment, office etc). There are seven energy categories as shown below:
A Class Α property, will have very low energy consumption per square meter. This is typically achieved by installing high thickness external thermal insulation, double or triple glass thermal windows, solar heater, solar panels, moveable shading, natural lighting etc.
The energy consumption shown on the Energy Performance Certificate is calculated for the standard usage. The actual consumption can be higher or lower based on the actual use. For example, if at 3-bedroom house there is only one person leaving, the need for hot water will be lower, the A/C will be need only at one room etc.Thus, the actual consumption will probably be lower than the one stated on the EPC.
2. How to get an EPC for your property?
For properties in Cyprus, the Energy Performance Certificates are issued by Energy Experts. Energy Experts are certified and licensed by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry. Energy experts have access to the Ministry’s online registry for submitting Energy Reports and issuing Energy Performance Certificates (EPC).
The Energy Expert needs to complete the following before issuing an EPC:
(1) On-site inspection: measuring and documenting building dimensions, materials, electoral equipment etc.
(2) Energy Performance Report: Calculations and reporting of results (output files)
(3) Suggestions Report: Scenario studies in order to assess the savings that can be achieved is certain upgrades of the property take place.
The above reports are submitted by the Qualified Expert to the Ministry’s online registry and the Energy Performance Certificate is issued to the owner.
3. Do I need to get an EPC for my property?
As per the relevant legislation, the owner of a property needs get an EPC in the following cases:
- For all new-build properties before moving in.
- Before renting-out any existing property.
- Before selling any existing property.
- For any public service units larger than 250 m2
- When listing properties for sale or rent. Property listing need to include information about the Energy Class of the property
EPC Example – What information is included
The highest rating is a zero-consumption rating which implies A class property at which all energy needs are covered by renewable sources (solar panels).
For example: installing insulation, changing widows, installing solar heater etc. The results are report on a Suggestions Report which is attached to the Energy Performance Certificate of the property.