SEA (Suffolk Energy Assessment) LLP carry out energy surveys on residential properties and issue energy performance certificates (EPCs)

An energy performance certificate (EPC) is required when a property is constructed, sold, or rented out

This windswept island nation has enormous wind, wave and tidal power: more than enough to meet all of our energy needs many times over (Greenpeace UK)
  • EPCs are required for buildings under Article 7 of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
  • Local trading standard departments are responsible for enforcing the Regulations that require this documentation to be issued. Contact Suffolk's Trading Standards team directly by telephone - (01473) 264 859 - or via for further information.
  • Duties relating to EPCs are listed in the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007.
  • Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (EU) lays down specific requirements regarding the energy certification of buildings.
  • Specific guidance on EPCs, Building Regulations, the EPBD, and other related legislation is available on the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) website.

SEA (Suffolk Energy Assessment) - your local EPC provider

An EPC for your property - domestic or non-domestic (commercial) - will be issued following an energy assessment undertaken by our accredited assessor . This assessment takes into account factors such as insulation, heating and hot water systems, ventilation, and fuels used.

The resultant EPC provides a measure of your building's overall energy efficiency and environmental impact using ratings on a scale of 'A' to 'G', similar to those used to grade washing machines and refrigerators.

The accompanying recommendation report(s) (RR(s)) detail measures that, if implemented, will help you to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of your property. SEA's reports emphasise energy conservation, and, in particular, renewable energy options (as appropriate).

You are under no obligation to act on the recommendations for energy or environmental improvements to your property; however, taking action is likely to improve the energy performance of the building, reduce its fuel bills, cut its CO2 emissions - and will make it more attractive to prospective buyers or tenants who use EPCs and RRs to compare buildings' respective energy efficiency and environmental impact ratings as part of their investment or business decision to buy or occupy a particular property.

Your property's EPC will be assigned a unique report reference number, which relates only to your premises. You will be sent a copy of the EPC (and RR(s)), and another copy will be lodged with the national EPC register.

This central register maintains a record of all EPCs (and associated reports) issued, and an EPC is not deemed to be authentic unless it has been lodged with the register. SEA's assessment fees already include the 'lodgement fee', or the cost of registering your property's EPC with this national database.