Energy Performance Certificates: guide

Assessment process

Survey visits

Each dwelling for which an EPC is produced must be visited as part of the assessment. The visit should ensure that the data collected is verified as accurate for that property. 

Information collected

The EPC assessment records specific information about a building, including: 

• its size and layout 

• how it has been constructed 

• how it is insulated, heated, ventilated and lit 

People use buildings in different ways, so the calculation is based on standard assumptions about the number of occupants and the way the building is used. The property must still be visited to ensure the information entered is accurate. 

Calculation

The EPC is produced using a calculation methodology owned by the UK Government and approved for use in Scotland by Scottish Ministers. Further technical information about the calculation methodologies can be found on the Building Research Establishment website: 

• SAP - Standard Assessment Procedure - BRE Group 

• National calculation method (NCM) for non-domestic buildings 

Recommendations report

The EPC also includes recommendations for improving the performance of the building.  

Potential improvements are recommended, but this assessment is not a substitute for bespoke retrofit advice. There is no requirement to carry out these recommendations, but seeking further advice and implementing measures could improve your building's energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills over time. 

For advice and information about making your home more energy efficient, contact Home Energy Scotland. 

For non-domestic buildings, contact Business Energy Scotland. 

EPC energy costs and actual bills

The purpose of the EPC is to allow the efficiency of buildings to be compared on a like-for-like basis. The costs shown on an EPC are not intended to accurately represent an individual's actual energy use. 

The energy costs shown on an EPC are calculated using frequently updated cost files and standard assumptions, including assumptions about how the property is occupied and used. The EPC does not assess the energy used for cooking or appliances. 

Record keeping

An assessor must retain the data used for the EPC calculation, along with evidence that the data relates to the assessed property. This information may be required if the EPC is audited. 

EPC data

We publish EPC data on statistics.gov.scot to help promote energy efficiency and for research purposes. This data does not contain personal information.