<strong>What is an EPC?</strong>

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a building’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, an EPC is generally required when a building is constructed, sold, or let.

<strong>Exemption for Listed Buildings</strong>

The 2012 Regulations provide various exemptions, including an exemption for:

“...<em>buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historic merit, in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance</em>.”

This means:
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Not all listed buildings are automatically exempt.</strong></li>
 	<li>The exemption applies only if energy efficiency improvements would unacceptably alter the building’s character or appearance.</li>
 	<li>If improvements can be made without such alteration, an EPC may still be required.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Practical Application</strong>

Examples of energy performance measures which may alter character or appearance (or as a minimum are likely to require local authority planning permission to install on a listed building) include external solid wall insulation, replacement glazing, solar panels, or an external wall mounted air source heat pump.

Owners and professionals must assess whether recommended energy efficiency measures would compromise the building’s special character. Consultation with the local planning authority’s conservation officer is often necessary, and clear documentation of the decision-making process is essential.