An energy performance certificate records how energy efficient a property is as a building and provides A-G ratings. These are similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
They are produced using standard methods and assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type.
An energy performance certificate is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures (such as low and zero carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating. A rating is also given showing what could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
More information about energy performance certificates can be found at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/theenvironment/energyperformance/homes/energyperformancecertificates/.
A sustainability certificate (either an interim or final sustainability certificate) is a certificate issued in accordance with the Code for Sustainable Homes (the code) and records the sustainability of a newly constructed home in nine categories. These include water efficiency, waste, surface water run-off, materials, ecology, pollution, health and well-being and management.
When a newly constructed home is marketed for sale the home information pack must include an energy performance certificate and an interim or final sustainability certificate showing the code rating (from one star to six stars) or a “nil rated” certificate, as set out in the Home Information Pack (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (No. 572). A nil-rated certificate states that the home has been designed to meet building regulations and can be downloaded free of charge from the Communities and Local Government's website.
More information about the Code for Sustainable Homes can be found at
www.communities.gov.uk/thecode