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Energy and certificates

As part of our commitment to energy efficiency we can arrange certificates, including DECs and EPCs.

Our energy offer

A DEC shows the energy performance of a building based on its actual annual energy consumption and the carbon dioxide emissions that result from that energy use. This is shown as a rating from A to G, where A has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions (best) and G the highest carbon dioxide emissions (worst).

The rating is also shown as a number. A typical building of its type would have a rating of 100. A building with twice the typical carbon dioxide emissions would have a rating of 200 (or G).

A DEC must be accompanied by an advisory report containing recommendations for improvement of the energy performance of the building. The DEC must be renewed every year. The advisory report is valid for seven years.

Much like the multi-coloured sticker on new appliances, EPCs tell you how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). They let the person who will use the building know how costly it will be to heat and light, and what its carbon dioxide emissions are likely to be.

The EPC will also state what the energy efficiency rating could be if improvements are made, and highlights cost-effective ways to achieve a better rating. Even if you rent your home, some improvements noted on the EPC might be worth your while – such as switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs.

Once produced, EPCs are valid for ten years.

Your energy audit will show you which improvements can be made to save energy and water consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money on utility bills.

You will be provided with an Audit Report, which will cover areas from the audit for example – lighting, heating, insulation, energy and water saving advice, improvements to the fabric of the building to reduce energy costs.

Renewable energy in the home

Solar photovoltaic systems, which are often seen as solar panels or solar roof tiles, use energy from sunlight to generate electricity which can be used to run appliances and lighting.

The greater the intensity of light, the greater the generation of electricity.

Panels are not light and installation will be subject to the strength of your roof. These systems are best suited for a building with a south, south east or south west facing wall or roof and with minimal shading. Systems must be MCS (Microgeneration Certificate Scheme) approved and be fitted by experienced MCS accredited installers.

Cost and maintenance

A typical domestic system is around 2.2 kilowatt-peak units in size and would produce over 40 percent of the electricity needed for a domestic home. A 2.2 kilowatt-peak unit system would cost around £6,000. Solar tiles are more expensive than conventional panels. Once installed there are no running costs, but the inverter may need replacing after eight to 10 years.

Financial help

This system is eligible for the Feed In Tariff.

Planning permission

You may need planning permission. Please view our planning pages for more information.

Wind turbines are used to harness the wind’s energy by turning aerodynamic blades that turn a rotator to create electricity.

Small scale wind turbines that can be installed on roofs are now available to buy for home use. A typical domestic system would be between 2.5 and six kilowatts.

Relatively minor increases in wind speed result in large changes in potential output. The best sites have an annual wind speed of at least five meters per second.

Knowledge of local wind speed is critical. For more information, visit the British Wind Energy Association website.

Cost and maintenance

Systems up to one kilowatt can cost up to £3,000. Turbines can have a life span of 20 years, but need regular servicing.

Financial help

This system is eligible for the Feed In Tariff.

Planning permission

You may need planning permission. Please view our planning pages for more information.

Micro combined heat and power technology generates heat and electricity at the same time from a single source for individual homes.

A typical system could produce up to one kilowatt-hour. There are many system variations to suit individual homes and energy consumption.

The cost and maintenance of a system will be around £5,500 and can be installed to replace a conventional boiler with service and maintenance costs thought to be similar to those of a conventional boiler.

Financial help

This system is eligible for the Feed In Tariff.

Planning permission

Planning permission for a flue may not be required, but there some exceptions. Please view our planning pages for more information.