In a new report, Decarbonising UK Real Estate, the trade body suggested that changes needed to be made in order for EPCs to actually educate occupiers on the efficiency of their property, as well as incentivise them to make changes which would improve the rating of a property.
RICS argued that all of the data, calculations, results and presentation related to an EPC should be accessible via a digital platform, with users able to modify certain entries so they could see see the impact efficiency improvements might make.
RICS also argued that there was a need for a campaign to inform the general public about the value of EPCs, and how to use them correctly.
Recent figures from the Office of National Statistics found that the average EPC rating for a property in England and Wales is a D.
There is proposed legislation that could mean new tenancies have to have an EPC rating of C or higher by 2025, and all existing tenancies need to meet this benchmark by 2028. It is not yet law.
The report stated: “The current rise in energy prices and the increase in extreme weather events caused by climate change provide a big opportunity to raise awareness about the condition of the UK building stock and establish a clear link between building performance, energy cost and carbon emissions.”
The report outlines other steps which would improve the carbon status of the nation’s properties, including calling for the government to establish a national programme to fund the retrofitting of properties with measures which would improve energy efficiency.
RICS explained: “ In the current context of rising energy bills and supply uncertainty, driving energy improvements in the existing stock on a large scale would carry multiple benefits: reducing emissions and energy bills, reducing energy demand at the national level, improving indoor conditions and asset value, and generating employment.”
