ONS Release EPC data for England and Wales

The Office for National Statistics has released an in-depth article on performance data from the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in England and Wales.

The data is examined to offer insight into energy efficiency, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and estimated energy cost of new and existing homes, and to show progress towards decarbonising the dwelling stock.

The ONS article covers a variety of points relating to the performance of key indicators regarding the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock. This is important as the UK works towards its target to bring all its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

Key points include:

  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data show new dwellings are more energy efficient than existing dwellings
  • On average, existing houses in England and in Wales that had an EPC undertaken in financial year ending 2019 were rated within band D
  • In FYE 2019, EPC data shows that both the median estimated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and estimated energy cost for an existing house in England and in Wales were more than twice as high as those for a new house.
  • On average in England and in Wales, social rented flats and houses with an EPC record are more energy efficient than privately rented flats and houses respectively.
  • For England and for Wales, we estimate that almost 8 out of every 10 dwellings with an EPC use mains gas to power central heating.

You can read the full report on the ONS website: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/energyefficiencyofhousinginenglandandwales/2020-09-23

“The ONS data is clear proof that EPC data is incredibly useful for looking at the bigger picture of how our buildings perform. The EPC will go on being a powerful tool for business, landlords/managing agents, local authorities and government to help set strategic goals, allocated funding and incentives and track the outcomes of these.

However, it is imperative that we see investment in the methodologies to make them ‘future ready’, at a time when there is a great deal of focus and ‘energy’ towards setting strategies for achieving our climate goals and commitments.” Andrew Parkin – Director of Energy Certification.