EPCs

EPCs is an acronym that can refer to several distinct concepts across sectors. In construction and related industries, EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement and Construction. An EPC contract is a form of turnkey agreement in which a contractor takes responsibility for all major phases needed to deliver a project: engineering design, procurement of materials and equipment, and construction. The contractor typically provides a single point of responsibility and delivers a functioning facility ready for start-up, with management of cost, schedule, and performance risks largely borne by the contractor. This model contrasts with design–build or construction management approaches and is common for large-scale energy, infrastructure, and industrial projects. Payment is often tied to milestones or performance criteria.

In the building sector, EPCs refer to Energy Performance Certificates. An EPC provides a rating of a building’s energy efficiency and typically includes recommendations for improvements. The certificate is usually required for sale or lease in many jurisdictions, and its validity ranges by country (often several years). Methods and scales vary by region, but common features include an energy score (such as A to G) and estimated energy consumption.

In information technology and supply chain contexts, EPC stands for Electronic Product Code. The EPC is a globally unique identifier used in RFID tagging and inventory systems. Developed by EPCglobal (now GS1), EPCs enable automatic item identification and integration with data networks and event data systems (EPCIS).

In European finance, the European Payments Council is a coordinating body for payment schemes in the euro area, supporting initiatives such as the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and harmonized payment standards.