Research and analysis

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) accuracy research

This project compared modelled energy use with monitoring data to identify inaccuracies in EPCs and propose improvements.

• From: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
• Published: 26 May 2026

Documents

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) accuracy research

PDF, 13.1 MB, 218 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are the basis of many energy efficiency policies in the domestic built environment. This research was designed to support energy efficiency policy in the area of updates to the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and informing the succeeding Home Energy Model (HEM) and the processes surrounding the generation and usage of Energy Performance Certificates. 

The project aims were to:  

• provide empirical evidence on the accuracy of EPCs and the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). Compare modelled energy use and internal temperatures with monitored data from large-scale datasets
• identify weaknesses in current EPC assumptions and processes, including defaults and assessor practices, and develop insights to improve modelling algorithms and enable dynamic updates to EPCs when building changes occur
• support the EPC Reform and ensure future models better reflect real-world energy performance

Published 26 May 2026