An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a mandatory document which provides an evaluation of the energy efficiency of a dwelling. An EPC must be supplied to a tenant when a new tenancy agreement is completed. It can be commissioned by a seller of a domestic property, a landlord renting a property to a new tenant or their agent from an accredited Energy Assessor who inspects the property to gather the information needed in order to prepare the EPC.

SAP stands for Standard Assessment Procedure.
This is a procedure for measuring the overall energy efficiency of a property. It was introduced in 1994. The SAP is an energy running-cost label for the property, and is similar to the label we have seen for years displayed on new fridges, freezers etc.

A Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) inspects domestic properties, examining, measuring and recording many features which will, collectively, enable an EPC to be prepared. The DEA will have been fully trained to carry out these tasks and will be accredited by registering with an approved Accreditation scheme in order to practice.

Following qualifying, every DEA must register with an approved Accreditation scheme in order to practice.

The aim of the Accreditation scheme is to ensure that members are qualified to undertake energy assessments and operate within a code of conduct. The Accreditation scheme is required to carry out criminal record (CRB) checks on its members and to ensure that procedures are in place to deliver consistent and accurate energy assessments.

Accreditation schemes are required to ensure members have suitable indemnity cover and that the quality of energy assessments is maintained. If members of the public should have a complaint, which cannot be resolved by the Energy Assessor, the Accreditation body will be able to resolve this.

Once an EPC has been produced, it must be lodged with a central Government register. Only approved Accreditation schemes are able to lodge EPCs with the central register.

In essence then, Accreditation schemes ensure that the public can feel comfortable that the individuals undertaking Energy Assessments in their home can be trusted and will operate in a professional manner.

First Call Energy Assessors aim to provide a swift, friendly and high quality service at a very fair price. We listen to our clients and adapt to their needs without compromising our professional standards.
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