Changing the approach to energy compliance in residential buildings – re-imagining EPCs

As our need for energy information of buildings evolves, and the tools and methods at our disposal increase in scale and complexity, it is perhaps reasonable to expect a similar level of change in the way energy in buildings is assessed within national energy compliance frameworks. By comparing the available opportunities for building energy modelling with the current methodologies underlying Energy Performance Certificates, this study proposes future directions for standardised energy assessment of residential buildings and the impact this could have on different facets of energy policy. In carrying out this exercise, a number of criteria are proposed that could be used to appraise methodologies that align with future requirements of energy assessment, with two potential candidates for future energy assessment considered as part of this appraisal. An argument is thus proposed for better aligning future forms of standardised energy assessment with directions and requirements of future low-carbon energy policy.