The Regulations

With effect from the 4th of January of this year 2009 the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive dictates that a Commercial EPC's will be required upon construction, sale or lease for all non-dwellings, covering everything from small retail units to offices, industrial units and large scale commercial premises such as airports and public buildings.

What does this mean to you?
If you are offering any commercial property for sale or let you will need to ensure that an EPC is available.

The EPC is similar to the energy ratings that you now find on household appliances. The certificate provides an energy rating of the building from A to G. the better the rating, the more efficient the building is and the lower the fuel bills are likely to be.

The EPC will also come with a Recommendation Report, which provides advice on how to use the building more effectively, cost effective improvements to the building, along with more expensive improvements. Potential buyers and tenants may consider the energy efficiency of the building as part of their investment or business decision to buy or occupy that building.

How long does an EPC last?
An EPC for the sale or let of buildings that are not dwellings are valid for 10 years, or until a newer EPC is produced for that building. During this period the same EPC may be used if the building is sold or let again.

Are there instances when an EPC is not required?
EPCs are not required on construction, sale or rent for:
• places of worship
• temporary buildings with a planned time of use of less than two years
• stand-alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m² that are not dwellings
• industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand. This is an area where you seek advice from a qualified Energy Assessor

How do I get a Commercial EPC?

We can provide certificates for all types of buildings, shops, offices, restaurants, public houses, warehouses and industrial buildings. They are priced on an individual basis depending on the size and the complexity of the building. Commercial Energy Assessments - Level 3 Buildings relates to simple existing buildings with frequently occurring characteristics that can be modelled using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM). Level 3 buildings comprise the majority of the building stock. Typically the cost starts at around £150 for a simple retail or warehouse space. We will happily provide you with a quotation based upon the information made available to us.

You can either:

• Complete the enquiry form below.  We will contact you at a convenient time to discuss your requirements or 
• Call 01296 749 006 or 07813 147 143  and speak to Steve Whitton

Does everyone need an EPC?

The EPC is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent. Once you have an EPC it's valid for ten years.

Sellers or buyers of homes
All sellers of homes need to ensure that they provide a Home Information Pack which includes an EPC for potential buyers.
An EPC must be made available to a potential homebuyer – free of charge.

Builders
An EPC needs to be provided to buyers of newly built properties.

Landlords
If you are a landlord, you’ll need to make an EPC available to prospective tenants the first time you let a home after 1 October 2008. An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years.
An EPC isn’t required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities.

Tenants
If you are interested in renting a property then an EPC must be made available to you free of charge. An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years.
If you are a prospective tenant, an EPC isn’t required when you rent a room and share facilities.

If you are not in one of the above categories
Even if you do not fall into the above categories, you can still apply for and receive an EPC. This may be because you want to know what the energy efficiency of your home is, and make improvements suggested by the recommendation report.

How do I get an EPC?
We will happily provide you with a quotation based upon the information made available to us. You can either:

• Complete the enquiry form below.  We will contact you at a convenient time to discuss your requirements or 
• Call 01296 749 006 or 07813 147 143  and speak to Steve Whitton

 Please click here to complete our enquiry form.