January 15, 2025 1:42 pm

Insert Lead Generation
Nikka Sulton

A legal firm has recently shown its support for the government’s proposed reforms aimed at enhancing the metrics and methodology used in Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). These certificates play a key role in assessing the energy efficiency of properties, and the firm believes that improvements are necessary.

However, while Osborne Clarke law firm welcomes the proposal in principle, it has urged the government to consider the timing of these changes, particularly with respect to landlords. The firm suggests that landlords may need additional time to adapt to the new standards and methodologies that will come into play.

The government is expected to release a report following a consultation on the future of EPCs. This consultation will explore potential changes to improve the accuracy of EPCs, which have been a point of contention for many years. Osborne Clarke notes that this report is likely to be published in the second half of 2026, with the aim of addressing several ongoing concerns about EPC accuracy.

EPCs are a vital tool for homeowners, tenants, landlords, and policymakers, as they provide a snapshot of a property’s energy efficiency and its environmental impact. However, concerns have been raised about the accuracy and reliability of the information presented on these certificates, which has led to a growing call for reform.

Osborne Clarke has cited a recent report from Which?, a consumer advocacy group, which sheds light on the issue of misleading EPCs. According to the report, there is substantial evidence that many EPCs contain inaccurate information. This issue has been a growing concern, as it can lead to misguided decisions being made by property owners and renters alike.

The Which? report emphasises that both homeowners and tenants could potentially be making important decisions based on flawed data. For example, tenants might choose properties based on incorrect energy efficiency ratings, while homeowners may feel pressure to undertake expensive upgrades that are unnecessary. Inaccurate EPCs could also affect policy decisions regarding energy standards and efficiency targets.

The Osborne Clarke law firm stresses that addressing these issues will require a comprehensive overhaul of the EPC system. This could include revising the metrics used to assess energy efficiency and updating the methodology behind the ratings. The firm believes that the government’s planned consultation and subsequent reforms will be an important step in ensuring that EPCs are both accurate and reliable.

Despite these concerns, Osborne Clarke has expressed cautious optimism about the potential for positive change. With the growing recognition of the flaws in the current EPC system, the firm believes that the upcoming reforms could bring much-needed clarity to the market and ultimately benefit landlords, tenants, and policymakers alike. However, the firm continues to urge careful consideration of the timing of these reforms to ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved.

The law firm also highlights the importance of carefully considering the timing of any future government policy. It notes that while the consultation primarily focuses on the measurement and enforcement of EPC standards, there is another significant issue on the horizon – the update to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

The law firm explains that the government is expected to provide an update on these standards, particularly in relation to buildings that are intended to be let. The firm anticipates that as part of the government’s broader Warm Homes Plan, a new target date will be set for homes in the private rental sector to meet a minimum EPC C rating by 2030.

This new target could have significant implications for landlords, who may be required to make substantial changes to their properties in order to meet the new standards. The firm points out that the government must carefully consider how adjustments to the metrics used for measuring energy efficiency will align with the minimum standards that landlords must meet before they can let their properties.

The firm stresses that the relationship between the updated metrics for measuring energy efficiency and the new minimum standards must be carefully considered in connection with the wider reform process. This alignment is essential to ensure that landlords can realistically comply with the new requirements.

Additionally, the law firm argues that landlords in both the domestic and non-domestic sectors will need sufficient time to prepare for and adjust to any proposed changes. A rushed implementation of these reforms could create unnecessary challenges for landlords, who may struggle to meet new standards without adequate time to make the necessary adjustments.

Therefore, while the law firm supports the government’s intentions to improve EPC accuracy and energy efficiency standards, it urges caution when it comes to the timing and implementation of these changes. By giving landlords sufficient time to adapt, the government can ensure that these reforms are effective and achievable without placing undue strain on property owners.

Ultimately, the law firm calls for a balanced approach that takes into account both the urgency of addressing energy efficiency concerns and the practical realities faced by landlords in meeting new standards. Only through careful planning and adequate preparation can these reforms be successfully implemented.

 

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