The intended reforms to the EPC system brought about by the Regulations include:
a new EPC rating system for domestic buildings, which will give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a property, the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its heating system, and the cost of energy to run the home to standardised conditions;
a new EPC rating system for non-domestic buildings;
a redesigned EPC certificate, based on a first phase of user testing, and to be followed by a second phase prior to regulations coming into force;
reduction of the validity period of EPCs from 10 to five years to ensure consumers have more up-to-date information;
development of a new EPC user interface to sit alongside the published EPC;
introduction of strengthened operational governance arrangements for EPC assessors and Approved Organisations to enhance quality assurance for consumers;
establishing a new technical infrastructure to replace the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) with the new UK Home Energy Model (HEM) calculation methodology, together with a new EPC Register, where the Scottish Government will share significant parts with the UK Government; and
continuing to work with the UK Government and devolved administrations where there are shared elements of the EPC regulatory system such as around skills and qualifications, across the UK internal market.