Energy performance

We’re currently updating the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) of our homes, looking at ways to improve their energy efficiency. Our aim is for all our homes to reach at least an EPC C rating by 2030.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An EPC is a bit like a “fuel‑efficiency label” for a home – it's a report that shows how energy efficient the property is, rated from A (the best) to G (the worst), click here to see an example of one.

The report takes into consideration things that affect the overall energy efficiency of the property such as heating systems, insulation, glazing, lighting, etc.

An example of an energy performance certificate

It gives a current and potential energy rating like you see on fridges, freezers and washing machines. It provides recommendations for ways to improve the property’s energy efficiency; and can estimate annual costs for lighting, heating, and hot water.

The EPC is a legal requirement for the rental market; landlords must have an up-to-date and valid EPC when renting, starting tenancy, or at the point an existing EPC expires.

EPCs last for 10 years; however, the EPC may be renewed sooner if significant energy efficiency measures have been installed at the property during this time, which is likely to improve the rating.

Reaching EPC C in all our homes by 2030

Reaching EPC C means better energy efficiency across all our homes, helping make them safer, warmer and more comfortable, while also saving tenants money on their bills.

If a home is currently EPC D, it will be included in our programme to bring it up to EPC C by 2030. Between now and then, we or our retrofit partners will get in touch with tenants in EPC D homes to chat about what improvements might be suitable. This could include things like triple glazing, upgrading the boiler, solar panels or LED lighting, depending on what each home needs and what the building allows, and ensuring value for money from our investment in homes and services for tenants.

By focusing on getting every home to at least EPC C, we can make sure our homes are more sustainable and that support is offered fairly to everyone.

Having an EPC survey

To find out the energy performance of your home, we may need to carry out a survey. This video shows you what's involved in the survey and what we're looking for.

Midland Heart assessors

It's nice to know who might be visiting you to complete your survey, so here are our friendly Midland Heart assessors, and a little further down the page you’ll find our Talk Green assessors.

Jon Wilkinson

Victoria Francis

Akbar Mirza

Sustainability

Our EPC team has embraced sustainability by utilising our all-electric van for conducting EPC surveys. By adopting these eco-friendly vehicles, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also demonstrate our commitment to our corporate and government net zero targets.

These vans offer zero emissions, enabling us to conduct surveys with minimal environmental impact. Embracing technology and innovation, our team is leading the way towards a more sustainable future.

Working in partnership with Talk Green Ltd. on EPC and retrofit assessments

As part of our ongoing commitment to improve the energy performance, comfort, and sustainability of our homes, we work in partnership with Talk Green Ltd to carry out EPC and retrofit assessments across some of our homes.

For more than five years, Talk Green has supported us with independent, evidence-based assessments, helping us to better understand how our homes perform and the best way to improve them. Retrofit assessments follow the principles of PAS 2035, the UK’s recognised framework for whole house retrofit, and are more detailed than a standard Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

During the visit, a qualified EPC or retrofit assessor will carry out a survey of your home’s insulation, heating systems, and ventilation, and identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency or use future low-carbon technologies.

The survey typically takes 45–60 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of your home. It’s observational and non-destructive, which means there’ll be no disturbance to your home during the survey, and you won’t have to turn any controls on or off.

These assessments help us to identify the best way to improve our homes and keep you comfortable by making your home warmer and improving its long-term energy performance.