Recommendation 17

The Government can take further practical measures to make its policy on energy efficiency more effective. The current system of Energy Performance Certificates still requires a thorough overhaul to ensure that they represent an accurate assessment of the improved energy performance of buildings. We recommend that the Government bring forward amendments to the Energy Bill, currently in the House of Lords, to provide for a more effective rating system. The Government has also promised to publish a consultation on the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations before the end of 2022. If this has not been published by the time the Government responds to this report, we recommend that it sets out an explanation for the delay and sets a new urgent deadline for publication of the consultation, along with a timetable for the publication of its response and policy decisions, which should be issued no later than the end of 2023.