Project of the Week

How to Get an A-Rated EPC Without Changing Your Spec

Their assessor said it couldn’t be done. We showed the developer how to get the rating — without redesigning a thing.

Most developers leave compliance too late. That’s when options are limited and costs go up. We’d rather catch it earlier — while there’s still room to make smart decisions. Book a free 15 minute project compliance review now.

Project Snapshot

The Situation

The developer was told they couldn’t reach an A-rated EPC because the project included gas. Gas doesn’t automatically rule out an A – in this case, they were borderline. The flats were already tight on performance, and roof space was maxed out for PV. The spec was locked, the M&E kit ordered, and there was no appetite for redesign or upgrades. With the primary exit being sale – and data showing EPC A flats can command a 3–6% price uplift in London – it was clear the market expected more from high-end apartments in this area.

Due to our experience on development projects, they reached out for a second opinion. They booked a free 15-minute review to see if there was any wiggle room left.

What We Helped Them See

• The SAP assessment used default thermal bridging values, which assume a worst-case scenario and unnecessarily drag down the rating (default values are deliberately conservative and can significantly hinder your SAP score)
• We recommended switching to accredited PSI values (we have in-house trained assessor to conduct this for clients), which better reflect the actual build quality and performance
• This alone provided a 1–2 point uplift, enough to push borderline units into A-rating territory — without changing the spec or adding new systems
• We also flagged two further options for uplift if needed:
  • Upgrade heating controls — switching to weather or load compensation can add up to 1 SAP point
  • Add WWHR to showers — straightforward uplift, though higher cost per unit

Putting the Advice into Action

After the review, the developer took our advice and went back to their existing SAP assessor to implement the changes. Since the SAPs had already been completed, it made sense to keep it all under one roof. And that’s fine — we don’t push for the work.

There aren’t many compliance providers offering free 15-minute consultancy calls with no obligation. But we do things differently. Our priority is helping developers navigate a complex process and get the right result, whether we deliver the final report or not.

Commercial Benefit

• Achieved A-Rated EPCs without changing the spec, avoiding unnecessary redesign or system swaps
• Protected premium sale value — EPC A properties in London command an estimated 3–6% uplift, particularly in the high-end apartment market
• Saved time and cost by avoiding post-assessment back-and-forth and rework

Used PSI calculations to unlock 1–2 SAP points quickly, without relying on multiple third parties

Feedback

“the proactive approach, knowledge of development, provided real value to our project.” – Phillip (Proma Developments)

Book a Review

Book a free 15-minute project compliance review — no obligation, just clear advice from a developer-led team.