• The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives your home an asset rating setting out the energy efficiency rating of your property on a scale rating from A - G, with A being the most efficient rating.
• The Certificate provides two sets of ratings, both represented on a graph, one for energy efficiency, the other for environmental impact.
• The energy efficiency rating is a measure of the building's overall energy efficiency and is based on fuel costs and energy use per square metre of floor area. It takes into account factors such as insulation, heating and hot water systems, ventilation and fuels used. As well as providing a current energy rating, the graph provides a potential rating or score. This score provides the owner with an idea of how much more energy efficient their home might be if they implement the improvements recommended.
• The average energy efficiency rating for a dwelling in England & Wales is Band E (rating 46). The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the home is and the lower the fuel bills will be.
• The Environmental Impact rating calculates the amount of C02 emissions your property discharges into the atmosphere.

The aim of the Government in introducing the certification scheme is to encourage homeowners to create a healthy and acceptable climate of energy efficiency and a substantial lowering of carbon dioxide emissions.