GCSE Physics

EPC: A-G Scale

How Science Works

The A-G scale is designed to be easy to use and is very similar to that used for electrical goods and cars. It quickly allows people to judge the relative energy costs associated with properties. To quote the EPC:

"A building with a rating of 100 would cost almost nothing to heat and light and would cause almost no carbon emissions. The potential ratings ... describe how close this building could get to 100 if all the cost effective recommended improvements were implemented."

So for a home to reach the top of the scale it would need to be heavily insulated and use its own sources of renewable energy for heating and electricity. By 2016 all new buildings constructed in England and Wales will need to be zero carbon, achieving 100.

Answer these questions about EPCs:

  1. Describe the two main parts of an EPC.
  2. What rating band does an average house have?
  3. Discuss three of the key areas included in an EPC.
  4. For your three key areas, explain what homeowners could do.
  5. Comment on the ease of use of the A-G scale.
  6. Explain what a top-A rating for a house would mean.
  7. When will all new English & Welsh buildings be zero carbon?


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