EPC - Savings and Benefits

Energy Efficiency

The new energy in buildings legislation was introduced into the UK as a result of an EU Directive. This Directive was introduced Europe-wide due to 40% of CO2 emissions coming from the use of buildings. For further more detailed information on the background to EPC legislation click on this link which will take you to our parent company's website with general information on the introduction of EPCs.

CO2 is a greenhouse gas thought to be contributing towards unstable climate change. Climate change is well documented, however more information can be obtained by visiting www.greenpeace.org

Although for many, the new energy in buildings legislation is seen as an unwanted additional cost it can also be used in a meaningful way to measure the effectiveness of different energy saving measures that can save money through reduced energy costs.

In a typical domestic house energy the main drains on energy are space heating, hot water and lighting. By upgrading or retro-fitting a house substantial savings can be made.

Insulation Savings

Significant savings can be made through adding/topping up insulation to improve the "u-value" of a wall, floor, or roof.

Reduce heat loss by improving the insulation qualities of walls, floors, roofs and windows. Adding insulation 270mm of loft insulation could save you £150 per year through reduced heating and reduce CO2 emissions by 800 kg per year (Source: Energy Saving Trust. Based on a typical 3 bedroom house).

• Using less energy by installing more efficient heat generators for heating and hot water.
• Using less electricity by installing more efficient lighting.

Other ways to reduce carbon include the use of renewables such as ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind turbines.

Saving Heat

“Boilers account for around 60% of the carbon dioxide emissions in a gas heated home. By replacing an old G rated boiler with a new high efficiency condensing boiler and improving your heating controls, you will significantly cut your home's carbon dioxide emissions and could save as much as £235 a year.” Source: Energy Savings Trust.

Home Lighting

Save up to 75% by replacing traditional tungsten lighting with Compact Fluorescent lighting (CFL) source: Carbon Trust.