EPC changes in 2026 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

The Scottish Government has announced major changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) that are set to take effect in 2026. Key updates include the introduction of new ratings, a redesigned certificate format, and a shortened validity period.

New Domestic EPC Ratings 📝

The following new metrics will replace previous classifications to provide clearer insights into a home’s energy efficiency:

Heat Retention Rating: will measure how well a home retains heat, using an A to G scale. A home with a rating of 30 kWh/m²/year or lower will be highly energy-efficient (EPC Rating A), while one at 351 kWh/m²/year or higher will be classified as inefficient (EPC Rating G).

Heating System Rating: will evaluate heating systems based on emissions, running costs, and thermal efficiency, also displayed on an A to G scale.

Energy Cost Rating: A rebranded version of the existing Energy Efficiency Rating, this will continue to show how improvements in heating systems and insulation impact running costs.

Changes to Recommendations and Design 🎨

To enhance clarity for homeowners, recommendations will be renamed “Potential Improvement Options” and include details on getting retrofit advice as well as funding options. The criteria for improvement recommendations will also be revised by prioritizing cost-effective solutions and focusing on enhancing a building’s fabric efficiency. And if a home has a high-emission heating system, the certificate will propose transitioning to a cleaner alternative, such as a heat pump. And lastly, the certificate itself will also undergo a redesign to improve readability and user experience.

Validity Period Reduced to Five Years 📉

To ensure EPCs remain up to date, their validity period will be shortened from ten years to five for both domestic and non-domestic buildings. While some industry experts suggested a three-year validity for greater accuracy, this reduction is seen as a step in the right direction.

The Shift to Digital EPCs 💻

Scotland will transition to digital EPCs, aligning with the approach taken in the rest of the UK. The Scottish Government is researching ways to make EPCs more interactive, potentially allowing users to adjust variables such as energy usage habits to see their impact on efficiency.

Quality Assurance Measures 🕵🏻‍♂️

The Scottish Government is committed to maintaining high standards in energy assessments. Collaboration with organizations that train and accredit energy assessors will ensure rigorous qualifications. Stronger auditing measures, including smart audits and on-site inspections, may also be introduced to enhance credibility.

Summary

Scotland’s upcoming EPC reforms will introduce a clearer and more informative rating system, improve accessibility through digital formats, and shorten certificate validity to five years. These changes are expected to enhance consumer understanding of energy efficiency and align Scotland with broader UK and EU standards. With implementation set for 2026, homeowners, landlords, and industry professionals should start preparing for the transition.

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