An analysis of errors in the Energy Performance certificate database

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are the adopted method by which the UK government tracks the progress of its domestic energy efficiency policies. Over 15 million EPCs have been lodged, representing a valuable resource for research into the UK building stock. However, the EPC record has a reputation of containing multiple errors. In this work, we identify many such errors and quantify how common they are. We find that 27% of EPCs in the open EPC record display at least one flag to suggests it is incorrect and estimate the true error rate of the EPC record to be between 36 and 62%. Many of these errors are caused by EPC assessors disagreeing on building parameters such as floor type, wall type and built form. Additionally, flats and maisonettes appear to cause more issues than other property types. This may be due to difficulties in assessing their location in the building and the nature of the surrounding space. We also suggest potential new methods of quality assurance which rely on machine learning and which could allow such errors to be avoided in the future. •Between 36 and 62% of Energy Performance certificates possess errors.•Many of these errors are caused by simple-to-assess building parameters.•Flats and Maisonettes show more errors that other dwelling types.•The energy efficiency rating of EPCs will typically change by 4 points due to errors.•Machine learning has the potential to avoid many of these errors in future EPCs.