Energy assessors: EPCs will become more accurate

Energy assessor trade body the Property Energy Professionals Association has hit back at claims about the accuracy of work by professionals in its sector.

It comes after National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB) spokesman Jonathan Rolande recently highlighted a report from Spec that suggested up to 2.5m energy performance certificates (EPCs) are incorrect.

PEPA highlights that Spec’s research was conducted in 2019 and the methodology for assessing houses has been updated since then.

It said  energy assessors are trained to measure in line with the RICS Code of Measurement Practice and it is recommended that they measure using a laser measure wherever practicable. 

Andrew Parkin, chair of PEPA said EPCs can become outdated as properties change all the time and hit back at claims that floor areas on the documents are inaccurate compared with using high-end laser scanners.

He said: “Spec isn’t saying 2.5m EPCs are wrong, they are actually saying all EPCs are wrong. They are simultaneously correct and incorrect. 

“All models are wrong. The reality is that the RdSAP method used is designed to be a simple, cost effective, accurate (to a point) and repeatable methodology. 

“This is to ensure that the EPC gives a stakeholder a good level of advice and guidance about a property prior to buying or renting at a price point that isn’t cost prohibitive to the process. It may also be worth noting that Spec specialises in 3D modelling and measurement of buildings, so whilst we are happy to understand their points around accurate property measurement, be under no illusion; this report and article was produced by a company with something of a vested interest’.

Parkin said the RdSAP assessment process cannot compete against an expensive scanning tool like the one used by Spec in their 5-year old report, adding: “The fact is, technology will come to the aid of an energy assessor in the coming years. With the upgrades planned for the EPC also in development, I am confident that EPCs will be more ‘accurate’, repeatable, and reliable in the future.”