Gibraltar Property Insights

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Q&A

What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document which gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU (EPBD) was transposed by the Environment (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2012 (“the Regulations”). This legislation came fully into force on the 4th of October 2012.

What information does an EPC contain?
An EPC is a rating scheme to summarise the property’s energy use and the energy performance as well as typical energy costs.

Who needs an EPC?
In accordance with the Regulations, an EPC will need to be provided for all buildings with fixed heating or cooling installations, when they are constructed, sold or rented out to a new tenant, or for a building with a floor area over 500 metres squared, which is occupied by a public authority or frequently visited by the public. An EPC is also required by most lending institutions should there be a mortgage to be taken over the property.

When is an EPC not required?
Properties which are exempt from requiring an EPC include (but are not limited to) those which are not fixed with heating or cooling installations, certain protected buildings with architectural or historical merit, places of worship, stand-alone buildings of less than 50 square metres of useful floor area (except dwellings) holiday accommodations that are rented out for less than 4 months a year or are let under a licence to occupy, and, in certain cases, buildings to be demolished and off-plan sales or lettings prior to the construction of the building.

How to obtain an EPC
In order to obtain an EPC, an individual must contact one of the Government Accredited Energy Assessors listed online by HM Government of Gibraltar: https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/environment/energy/energy-performance-certificates

Who is responsible for obtaining an EPC?
The vendor(s) (in respect of a sale), landlord (in respect of a rental) and developer (in respect of off-plan apartments and only at the time of completion) are responsible for obtaining an EPC.

Are there any penalties should you not get an EPC when you need one?
You can be fined if you do have an EPC when required.
Who oversees the EPC process? The relevant authority for energy performance legislation is the Department of the Environment and Climate Change (DECC).
For further information please visit Energy Performance of Buildings (gibraltar.gov.gi)

If you would like to speak to our team please email sarah.bray@isolas.gi, katrina.isola@isolas.gi, or nicholas.manning@isolas.gi