77% of homeowners ‘think EPC rating will be important when moving home’

Dr Ghazi Droubi, head of engineering and the built environment at University College Birmingham, said: “The increasing importance of EPC ratings reflects a fundamental shift in the built environment sector. In the past, energy performance was seen solely as a regulatory requirement; today, it is increasingly influencing property values, investment decisions, housing quality and consumer choice.

“This trend highlights the growing demand for professionals with expertise in building performance, energy efficiency, retrofit, housing quality, and sustainable building services, and higher and further education organisations have a vital role to play. At University College Birmingham, we are responding with agility to this need through programmes such as Building Services Engineering and our new Social Housing Building Surveying course, which equip students with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to improve the performance, sustainability, and resilience of existing and future buildings.

“As the UK seeks to reduce carbon emissions and improve housing standards, the sector will require a new generation of engineers and surveyors capable of addressing energy efficiency challenges while ensuring homes remain safe, affordable and fit for purpose. These findings reinforce the importance of developing the specialist skills needed to support the transition to a more sustainable built environment.”