Efforts to reform the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system are facing increasing delays, as concerns grow over a shortage of skilled professionals needed to support the changes. The National Residential Landlords Association has warned that a lack of qualified workers in the retrofitting sector could slow down progress, potentially undermining the effectiveness of the proposed reforms.
A Key Moment for Energy Efficiency
Improving energy efficiency remains a central focus for the UK property sector, particularly as the government continues to push for lower carbon emissions and more sustainable housing. EPCs play a vital role in this effort, offering a standardised way to measure how energy efficient a property is and what improvements can be made.
However, updating the system to make it more accurate and useful requires more than just policy changes. It depends heavily on having a workforce capable of carrying out assessments and delivering upgrades at scale.
Understanding the ‘Retrofitting Skills Gap’
At the heart of the issue is what industry experts describe as a “retrofitting skills gap”. This refers to the shortage of trained professionals who can carry out energy efficiency improvements and assess properties under the EPC framework.
Retrofitting involves upgrading existing buildings with features such as improved insulation, modern heating systems, and energy-efficient materials. These improvements are essential for meeting future standards, but they require specialist knowledge and experience.
Without enough skilled workers, the pace of change is likely to slow, making it harder to achieve the government’s targets.
Increased Demands on EPC Assessors
The proposed EPC reforms are expected to introduce more detailed and technical assessments. This means that EPC assessors will need to develop a broader understanding of how buildings perform, including factors such as heat loss, energy consumption, and system efficiency.
To meet these new requirements, many assessors will need additional training. While this is intended to improve the overall quality of assessments, it also places extra pressure on a workforce that is already limited in size.
As demand for EPC assessments increases, the need for trained professionals will grow, raising concerns about whether the sector can keep up.
Risk of Delays and Bottlenecks
One of the main risks associated with the skills shortage is the potential for delays. If there are not enough qualified assessors available, landlords and homeowners may face longer waiting times to obtain EPCs.
This could create bottlenecks across the property market, affecting everything from property sales to rental compliance. For landlords, delays in obtaining or updating EPCs could make it more difficult to meet regulatory requirements within set deadlines.
Government Consultation on Proposed Changes
These concerns have been raised in response to a consultation led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The consultation seeks feedback on proposed changes to how EPC ratings are calculated, including the introduction of new metrics designed to provide a clearer picture of energy performance.
The updated system aims to go beyond simple efficiency ratings by offering more detailed insights into a property’s construction, heating systems, and potential improvements. This could help property owners make more informed decisions about upgrades and energy use.
Delay to the New EPC Timeline
Following discussions with industry stakeholders, the government has confirmed that the rollout of the new EPC framework will be delayed until the second half of 2027.
This decision reflects the practical challenges involved in implementing such significant changes, particularly in light of the current skills shortage. While the delay provides additional time for preparation, it also highlights the scale of the work required.
Balancing Ambition with Practicality
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, has acknowledged the importance of improving energy efficiency but has urged the government to take a realistic approach.
He has warned that without addressing the shortage of skilled professionals, the proposed reforms may struggle to deliver meaningful results. In particular, the lack of qualified retrofitting experts could limit the impact of new EPC standards.
Impact on Landlords and the Rental Market
For landlords, the delay and ongoing uncertainty add another layer of complexity to managing properties. Many are already preparing for stricter energy efficiency requirements, which may involve significant investment in upgrades.
Uncertainty around timelines and requirements can make it difficult to plan these improvements effectively. At the same time, clearer and more accurate EPC ratings are expected to benefit both landlords and tenants once the new system is in place.
The Need for Workforce Development
Addressing the skills gap will be essential to ensuring the success of EPC reform. This could involve expanding training programmes, supporting apprenticeships, and encouraging more people to enter the retrofitting and energy assessment sectors.
Providing clear pathways for training and development will help build the workforce needed to deliver these changes at scale.
A Transition Towards a More Efficient Housing Stock
The proposed EPC reforms are part of a wider effort to improve the energy performance of the UK’s housing stock. By providing more detailed and accurate information, the new system aims to support better decision-making and encourage investment in energy efficiency improvements.
However, achieving these goals will depend on the ability to implement the changes effectively.
What Happens Next?
As the new 2027 timeline approaches, attention will turn to how the industry prepares for the transition. Ensuring that enough skilled professionals are available will be a key priority, alongside finalising the details of the new EPC framework.
The consultation process will play an important role in shaping the final system, helping to ensure that it meets the needs of both property owners and tenants.
Conclusion
The delay to EPC reform highlights the challenges involved in delivering large-scale changes to the property sector. While the proposed updates have the potential to improve energy efficiency and provide clearer information, the shortage of skilled professionals remains a significant barrier.
Without addressing the retrofitting skills gap, there is a risk that progress will be slower than expected. For now, the focus will need to be on building the workforce required to support these reforms and ensuring that the transition is both practical and effective.
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