Energy Performance Certificates: guide

About Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

An EPC provides information about how energy efficient a building is, and how the efficiency could be improved. Buildings are rated on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient. The EPC also provides:

• information on measures which could be made to improve the energy efficiency of the building
• an indicative cost for each improvement

 The EPC is accompanied by a recommendations report which provides more detailed information about improvement measures. 

EPCs are changing

EPCs in Scotland are being reformed which means:

• a 3-rating system covering heat retention, heating system and energy costs (with similar changes for non-domestic buildings)
• certificates will be valid for 5 years
• new-style certificates will be introduced
• stronger quality assurance through a new accredition scheme

We're still finalising the new system and will update this guide with more information on the transition to the new-style EPC.

EPC reform

We consulted on EPC reform in 2023 which included proposals to:

• ensure that EPCs remain a key source of information about a building’s energy efficiency for current and prospective building owners and tenants
• expand the metrics shown on EPCs to give a more holistic picture of a building’s energy efficiency (including ratings to reflect the energy efficiency of the building fabric)
• rename the existing metrics so that their meaning is clear
• review audit and assurance arrangements to ensure that EPCs provide robust and reliable information

We published an updated consultation response in October 2025.