Scottish Government publishes response to EPC reform consultation
The Scottish Government has published the response to its 2023 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reform consultation, confirming plans to introduce revised EPC regulations in Parliament in 2025. Key proposed changes include a new rating system for domestic buildings, providing clearer information on a property’s fabric energy efficiency, emissions, heating system efficiency and running costs, as well as the cost of energy to run the home under standardised conditions. The EPC format will also be redesigned, based on a first phase of user testing, with a second phase to follow before the regulations come into force. In addition, the validity of EPCs will be reduced from ten to five years to provide consumers with more up-to-date information. Subject to parliamentary approval, the new regulations, EPC rating system, and redesigned certificates are expected to be implemented in 2026. The Scottish Government also intends to conduct a technical consultation on the level of EPC lodgement fees before the new regulations are introduced.