Stopwatch with EPC Certificates in the background. The stopwatch says 2030

EPC C by 2030: The Clock is Ticking

By Luke Beard · 6 February 2025

The UK government has set a big challenge: every social housing property must have an EPC C rating by 2030. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a crucial step in making homes more energy-efficient, cutting carbon emissions, and tackling fuel poverty. It also plays a vital role in the country’s mission to hit net-zero by 2050.

For social landlords, this is a massive task that can’t be ignored. There are contrasting reports on the number of social homes needing improvement. In 2019, 44% of social housing in the UK fell short of an EPC C rating. (Source – NHF) An article in Social Housing reported a figure of 48% as recently as last year, while a BBC article claims that 70% of social homes already meet the required C rating. Whichever is accurate, it means nearly a third to half of all homes in the sector need improvements, from small efficiency tweaks to full-scale refurbishments, to meet the government’s deadline.

A monumental challenge

Housing associations and local authorities are up against it. Upgrading thousands of homes to an EPC C rating by 2030 in just five years. The level of work needed varies widely. Some homes might only need simple fixes like LED lighting and better insulation, while others—particularly those rated E, F, or G—will require major retrofits, including new heating systems and extensive insulation work.

Older properties pose even bigger challenges. Many need bespoke solutions, and factors like a shortage of skilled workers, material costs, and limited funding make things even harder. But with the 2030 deadline fast approaching, delaying action isn’t an option.

Time waits for no one

Think back to January 2020. No one could have predicted the upheaval COVID-19 would bring. That was five years ago, and it feels like yesterday. The same will be true for 2030, it will be here before we know it.

For housing providers, the message is clear: don’t leave this until the last minute. Costs will go up, resources will be stretched thin, and compliance will become even harder. To get ahead, organisations need to be well into their retrofit programmes. Acting now will avoid a last-minute scramble.

Navigating the road to compliance

Meeting the EPC C target isn’t just about regulations—it’s about smart planning and collaboration. Here’s how housing providers can stay ahead:

Assess Your Stock – A thorough energy assessment will show where upgrades are needed.
Prioritise – Start with the homes that are closest to a C rating for quick wins, then move on to more complex cases.
Secure Funding – Government grants and funding schemes can help ease the financial burden.
Work with your residents – Tenant engagement is key to ensuring that the most important people – those residents who will benefit from the works, feel valued and part of the project.
Get the Right Experts – Work with energy efficiency specialists to get the best results.
Use Data Tools – Platforms like ARK’s Strategic Asset Performance (ASAP) model help track EPC scores and prioritise investment.
Plan for the Long Term – A solid asset management strategy ensures cost-effective, future-proofed investments.

Following these steps will help housing providers manage the challenge in a structured, effective way.

Engage with your residents!

It’s vital to engage and effectively communicate with residents at every stage of any project, and retrofit projects are no exception. Working with tenants and keeping them informed of plans and timelines for work, while listening to their concerns and responding to enquiries will ensure that they are at the heart of the project. We have worked with housing associations and local authorities, including Birmingham City Council, on successful resident engagement around retrofit works, and now are starting to see the social value impact this had through feedback from residents.

Data-driven decisions are key

Having accurate, up-to-date data is critical when planning and budgeting for retrofits. Housing providers need a clear picture of EPC ratings and property conditions to make informed decisions.

Our award-nominated ASAP model gives organisations precise insights by filtering properties based on their exact EPC scores. This allows for targeted investment, ensuring funds and resources are used efficiently.

Developing a retrofit strategy

A well-planned retrofit strategy ensures that every pound spent delivers real impact. Key factors to consider include:

Thorough Planning – Understanding each property’s specific energy efficiency needs helps with budgeting and scheduling.
Cost Efficiency – A data-driven approach prevents wasted spending and directs funds where they’ll have the biggest impact.
Risk Management – Identifying potential problems like damp, mould, or structural issues helps avoid setbacks.
Compliance – Meeting UK regulations, such as PAS 2035, ensures long-term compliance and quality improvements.
Securing Investment – A clear, well-documented strategy can help attract funding and demonstrate a solid plan.
Sustainability Goals – Every improvement should contribute to a greener, more energy-efficient housing sector.

Retrofit assessments are often overlooked in budget planning, but they’re a critical investment. A ‘super survey’ approach—combining multiple property assessments in one visit—can help reduce disruption for tenants while gathering vital data.

The time to act is now

The 2030 deadline is fast approaching, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. Taking action now means Housing Associations and Local Authorities can create warmer, more energy-efficient homes while staying ahead of compliance targets.

Don’t let 2030 arrive with unfinished work and rising costs. The time to act is now, and we are here to help every step of the way.