The government has pushed back upcoming reforms to the way Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are calculated until the second half of 2027 following backlash from the industry.
Originally due to come into effect from October 2026, the new reforms include the introduction of four headline metrics to measure EPCs, in a bid to enable a “more comprehensive assessment of a building’s energy performance”.
The government unveiled the new metrics in a partial response to its consultation on EPCs launched in December 2024. The metrics are set to replace the single cost metric for domestic EPCs from carbon to energy cost, fabric performance, heating system and smart readiness.
The date for implementation has now been pushed back following engagement with the industry on the delivery timeline, including on the training and upskilling of energy assessors.
Despite this delay, private landlords will still be required to achieve a minimum EPC rating of ‘C’ by the previously confirmed 2030 deadline.
Caroline Postles, existing dwellings technical team manager at Elmhurst Energy, said the original October 2026 timelines “were optimistic and this delay is a pragmatic and realistic step towards ensuring that reforms are delivered with enough time for all key stakeholders across the industry to prepare”.
She added: “The impacts of these changes are far reaching across our industry, and the additional time now granted means that all stakeholders, including assessors, property professionals, homeowners and landlords, can be fully prepared for these changes before they come into effect.”
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