Who needs Commercial EPCs?
An Energy Performance Certificate is a mandatory requirement for all commercial properties when they are either being sold or leased. These ratings are frequently utilized by prospective tenants or buyers to assess the energy efficiency of different properties. Additionally, a Commercial EPC includes a report with recommendations for enhancing the building’s energy performance.
What are the benefits of a commercial EPC?
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) evaluates a structure by assigning it a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency rating, ranging from ‘A’ (the highest) to ‘G’, with the typical rating falling between ‘D’ and ‘E’ to date. Properties with superior ratings are more appealing to potential renters and buyers, as they result in lower operational costs.
How are commercial EPCs carried out?
A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is typically carried out by a qualified and accredited energy assessor. Here’s how the process is typically conducted:
Contact an Accredited Assessor: The property owner or landlord should first contact an accredited and qualified energy assessor. These assessors are trained and certified to perform EPC assessments for commercial properties.
Assessment Visit: The energy assessor will schedule a visit to the commercial property. During this visit, they will collect various pieces of information, which may include:
Building dimensions, floor plans, and layout.
Information about heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
Types of lighting and insulation in use.
Details about windows, doors, and any other elements that affect energy efficiency.
Data Analysis: The energy assessor will use the gathered data to calculate the energy efficiency of the building. They will also consider factors like the building’s usage and occupancy to determine the energy performance.
Software and Tools: Energy assessors use specialized software and tools to process the data and calculate the energy performance rating. This rating is presented on a scale from ‘A’ (most efficient) to ‘G’ (least efficient).
Recommendation Report: The EPC will include a recommendation report outlining potential improvements that could enhance the building’s energy efficiency. This report provides suggestions for upgrades and changes that could result in a higher energy performance rating.
Issuing the Certificate: Once the assessment is complete, the energy assessor will issue the Commercial EPC. This document will contain the energy performance rating, information about the property, and the recommendation report.
Validity and Display: The Commercial EPC is typically valid for ten years. It must be made available to potential tenants or buyers when marketing the property, and a copy should be provided to the eventual tenant or buyer.
It’s important to note that the exact process may vary slightly depending on local regulations and the complexity of the commercial property. Hiring a qualified energy assessor is essential to ensure that the assessment is accurate and compliant with all relevant laws and standards.
How to book an EPC
The absence of a valid Commercial EPC can pose significant challenges for both property owners and agents. As of this year, there is a joint responsibility between property agents and commercial landlords to ensure that the property can legally be marketed, requiring a valid EPC to be obtained within 7 days of marketing, if not already available. This represents a notable reduction from the previous 28-day grace period that was in place prior to the April 2012 legislation, which has now been reinforced with stricter EPC law criteria.
Call the Commercial EPC Team on 02034881899