Energy rating certificates similar to those used on domestic appliances are required for all homes sold in England and Wales. The certificates give home buyers and sellers A to G ratings for their home’s energy efficiency and carbon emissions.  They will tell them current average costs for heating, hot water and lighting in their home as well as how to cut costs with energy efficiency measures.

The reports, prepared by qualified home inspectors and domestic energy assessors, will advise consumers on appropriate energy saving measures - ranging from thicker loft insulation right through to solar panels. These measures will cut carbon emissions from their home and improve their energy rating. 

The energy ratings are included in Home Condition Reports (HCRs) which set out important independent information on the condition of the property as part of the Home Information Pack. 

Given that homes account for 27% of the UK's CO2 emissions contributing to global climate change the introduction of the Energy Performance certificate will make home owners aware of their contribution to climate change. The advice given by Home Inspectors and Domestic Energy Assessors should also reduce the cost of domestic energy bills for home owners.

European agreements require that from 2009 all homes for sale should have energy certificates.  Including certificates within the Home Information Packs is a fast and cost effective way to give consumers the most up to date information without them having to pay for additional surveys.  It also means England and Wales will be among the EU front runners, introducing energy certificates 2 years earlier then the deadline set out in the EU directive and linking energy measures to a report on property condition.

The EPC will include practical information about a range of changes which will be viable for that home including things like cavity wall insulation or double glazing.  It will also list measures to cut carbon emissions even further such as solar panels or wind turbines, where possible.