EPCs are already mandatory in the residential sales market. And now they are coming to the commercial sectors with a phased introduction that began in April.
When you buy or rent business premises it is the responsibility of the seller or landlord to give you an EPC.
The Certificate
An EPC will allow owners, occupiers and buyers to make informed choices about improving their buildings’ energy efficiency by providing the following:
• Information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of their building.
• A rating of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building on a scale of A to G, where A is the best. The ratings are standard so the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of a similar type. EPCs align with recognisable and established grading systems now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
• A recommendation report providing information about ways to improve the energy efficiency of the building The certificate also shows the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
Realistically, many buildings in England and Wales, especially older stock, will score lower ratings. This is why it is important for owners and occupiers of buildings to act on their EPC recommendations to help to cut energy consumption, save money on bills and safeguard the environment.
The Process
The energy assessment process is as follows:
• The Energy Assessor visits the premises to conduct an energy assessment. They may be employed by a company (such as an estate agent or energy company) or be independent traders.
• During the assessment they collect information on the property, which includes details of its dimensions, construction and heating/hot water provision
• The information is fed into the government-approved software programme (using standard energy ratings).
• The programme produces the EPC and recommendation report highlighting ways to improve the energy efficiency of the property.
• Your business can then use the recommendation report to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions..
For more information visit: Directgov: Energy Performance Certificates.
FAQs
Why do I need an EPC?
EPCs are now a legal requirement for business premises over a certain size when sold, rented or built. The recommendation report could also help you make savings on your energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
How long is the EPC valid for?
The EPC is valid for 10 years.
Are there any buildings exempt from providing EPCs?
The following buildings are exempt from requiring an EPC:
• Places of worship,
• Stand-alone buildings of less than 50 square metres (except for residential buildings),
• Temporary buildings with a planned time of use of 2 years or less,
• Particular buildings with low energy demand (e.g. barns).
• In certain limited circumstances, buildings to be demolished are exempt from requiring a certificate.
• Buildings which do not use energy to condition the indoor climate – ie those that do not have heating or
ventilation (eg a car park that only has lighting).
How long will it take to perform an energy assessment?
The time taken to perform an energy assessment will vary according to the size and nature of the property.
Due to the wide variation of commercial buildings, it is difficult to predict any ‘average time’ to complete the assessment.
What happens if a building gets a low rating?
This simply indicates that the building could be more energy efficient. During the inspection, a number of recommendations to improve the energy efficiency will be identified.
