Property firm calls for EPC assessor accreditation overhaul

A leading property firm is urging the industry to adopt stricter accreditation for Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessors after repeated encounters with inaccurate EPC ratings that significantly differed upon reassessment.

The call from Re:volve Real Estate points to a major issue that needs addressing – the use of unqualified assessors finalising ratings based on assumptions instead of verified data.

The firm says it regularly deals with qualified EPC professionals who are pitted against assessors with minimal qualifications obtained through brief courses.”

‘Much of our work relies on the EPC ratings’

The firm’s senior building surveyor, Andy Heath, said: “As building surveyors, much of our work and recommendations rely on the EPC ratings of our projects.

“However, we often encounter significant fluctuations in these ratings, depending on the assessor and when it is completed.

“We frequently have to reevaluate projects that were initially assessed by qualified professionals, as we find that the true rating actually falls within band B instead of its current D rating.”

He added: “A large proportion of issues are as a result of assessors not sourcing quality and confirmed data. Often ratings are finalised off assumptions and is a key downfall within the industry.”

Ever-evolving EPC model creates legal complications

Mr Heath says that the ever-evolving EPC model creates legal complications for clients struggling to meet shifting EPC standards.

He points to a recent 30,000-square-foot office space project as an example of the issues being faced.

After the firm had carried out rigorous future-proofing maintenance and assessment of the building they discovered a huge difference between the required assessment and the one that had been carried out.

The initial assessment was carried out by a Level 3 energy assessor which led to a much lower EPC rating of D.

When the reassessment was carried out by a qualified Level 4 assessor, the EPC rating was upgraded to a B – reflecting the building’s true energy efficiency.

‘Accreditation required for assessing a building’s energy’

Mr Heath said: “I believe I can speak on behalf of my peers when I say that the accreditation required for assessing a building’s energy does not meet the industry’s standards.

“We work with professional EPC assessors who are up against assessors with minimal qualifications from a short two-week course.

“The ever-changing model means that energy ratings are in a constant state of flux, creating significant legal complications for our clients who are constantly trying to keep up with shifting standards.”

He added: “To challenge this head-on, improved accreditation standards are essential to bolster the credibility of assessments and minimise errors, biases, and discrepancies.”