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What is an EPC in Gibraltar?

In Gibraltar, any building that uses energy to condition its indoor climate (via fixed heating or cooling installations) must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). 
This document provides a rating (for example, from A to G) based on the building’s energy efficiency and includes recommendations for improvement.

Whole Life Carbon

Energy Performance Certificates

A key tool for assessing the energy efficiency of buildings. As the construction sector moves toward more sustainable standards, the EPC has become a fundamental indicator of energy performance, helping owners, occupants, and developers understand and improve the energy use of their assets. This approach not only drives reductions in emissions and operational costs but also strengthens the industry’s commitment to transitioning toward a more efficient, low carbon-built environment.

When is this certificate obligatory?

  • At the completion of a new build or when the building is brought into use.

  • When the property is sold or leased.

  • The regulations set minimum energy performance standards for new buildings, including using the software SBEM-GI for Gibraltar.

Why is it important?

  • Legal compliance: 

                  Not having a valid EPC when required may lead to penalties.

  • Transparency for buyers or tenants: 

                  The EPC gives a clear indication of potential energy costs and efficiency, which may affect value or leasing.

  • Optimising the building:

                   A well-performed EPC with practical improvement recommendations can reduce usage, costs and emissions.

  • Correct hand-over for new developments: 

                  For new builds, having an “as-built” EPC (i.e., once construction is finished) ensures that what is delivered matches what has been built, complies with regulation, and facilitates future management

What are the implications in Gibraltar?

  • New buildings must meet minimum energy performance standards and calculations are done using the SBEM-GI software.

  • EPCs are valid for 10 years, unless major changes occur.

  • Some buildings are exempt: e.g., places of worship, detached buildings under 50 m² (except dwellings), temporary buildings with planned use less than 2 years.

  • The competent authority is the Department of the Environment and Climate Change (Gibraltar) (DECC), which operates a verification scheme for EPCs.

How do we work?

  • We offer a simple, clear and professional process:

  • Initial meeting: We review your project or existing building, analyse systems and building envelope, and check applicable regulation in Gibraltar.

  • Calculation preparation: We use the SBEM-GI methodology and work with an accredited assessor in Gibraltar to ensure compliance.

  • Inspection and data collection: For “as-built” cases, we visit the completed building to gather real data: insulation, windows, HVAC systems, etc.

  • EPC issuance: We deliver the EPC along with a report containing energy-improvement recommendations tailored to your building.

  • Delivery and registration: We hand over the certificate to the owner, make it available to the buyer/tenant as required, and ensure registration.

  • Follow-up: If energy improvements are made later, we can advise on updating the EPC and improving the rating.

DSM

To achieve a superior rating in an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), it is possible to resort to the use of modelling through Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM). This approach allows for a more precise evaluation of the building’s energy behaviour, which positively impacts the rating obtained. It is a technique of analysis that is habitually addressed in a specific section of the technical report, since its application requires a detailed description of the methodology, the tools employed, the assumptions adopted and the scenarios considered. For more information, read in the DSM section. 

Conclusion

If you are building a new property, selling or leasing a building in Gibraltar, ensuring you have a valid, accurate and compliant EPC is fundamental. We help you manage this process professionally, with no surprises, and add value by offering improvement recommendations that can enhance efficiency and attractiveness of your property.

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