Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings: Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) Case Studies

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are the Government’s legislated rating scheme to summarise and report energy performance of buildings. The domestic and non-domestic sectors use different methods in order to assess the energy efficiency of buildings. These case studies focus on the domestic rented sector.

In 2020 the Government consulted on increasing the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for privately rented domestic properties from EPC Band E to EPC Band C for new tenancies from 2025 and all tenancies from 2028.

Historic England in conjunction with the MEES working group (National Trust (chair), Historic England, Country Land and Business Association, The Central Association for Agricultural Valuers, The Landmark Trust and other stakeholders) undertook case studies to provide evidence of the issues surrounding EPC assessments for traditionally constructed buildings and identify the barriers to successful improvements to energy efficiency.

The key issues identified were:

• EPC assessment procedure
• Fuel types
• Overall costs
• Impact on traditional construction

The guidance is intended for architects, surveyors, conservators, other conservation professionals and anyone who is interested in or responsible for the care of buildings.