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From 1 October 2008 it became compulsory that all commercial buildings with a floor area over 50m2 require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for sale, letting, change in the buildings purpose or when constructed.

Not dissimilar to the domestic Home Information Pack (HIP), the legislation requires buildings to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which details the potential energy efficiency of the property.

The EPC is intended to highlight the amount of energy it is estimated to meet the different energy needs associated with its standard use, so the buyer or tenant can make an informed judgement before the transaction is made.

The EPC takes into account the buildings fabric and services (heating, cooling, hot water, ventilation and lighting) and lasts for 10 years. It does not have to be reissued until then, unless major modifications are made to the property which will affect its energy consumption. The energy performance regulations have been implemented to help combat the increasing effect that property has on carbon emissions into the atmosphere, which currently stands at a staggering 52% of all emissions.

In order to obtain an EPC, a site survey needs to be carried out by an accredited Energy Assessor or approved Data Collector. They will look at a number of key elements such as the buildings fabric, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting efficiencies and control of these elements.

After a short period of time spent on site the certificate takes around 20 days to come through. However this is subject to the receipt of necessary information and is depending on the size and complexity of the building.

As of the 4th January 2009 additional legislation also now affects the person who controls a property that has air conditioning (over 250kW output), which requires a five yearly energy inspection report.

Non compliance will hinder any transaction (buying or selling) and could lead to actions or fines being imposed by Trading Standards of up to £5,000, not to mention the requirement still to have an EPC in place.

Do you have the adequate building plans required in order to complete an EPC? If you don't, our providers can arrange for plans to be completed at the same time as an EPC which will reduce costs and increase efficiency.

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