Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are to become a compulsory part of any property transaction.Starting on October 1st, EPCs must be provided when commercial and residential buildings are built, bought, sold or rented.EPCs, which give buildings a rating from A (the most energy efficient) to G (the least efficient) are in keeping with the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.According to the Department of Communities and Local Government, UK buildings consume almost half of all the energy consumed in the UK and are responsible for a similar proportion of carbon emissions.EPCs are accompanied by a series of suggestions from consultants on how to reduce the energy consumption of a building.These could include installing insulation, which the Energy Saving Trust (EST) reports is one of the best ways of reducing energy consumption.EPCs for rented properties last ten years but when properties are up for sale the seller must present a certificate which is less than a year old.A recent survey by the EST revealed that more than half of homeowners would pay more for a building that rated highly.