What is an EPC?

The certificate records how energy efficient a property is as a building and provides A-G ratings. These are similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. They are produced using standard methods and assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another. This allows prospective buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers and purchasers to see information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions from their building so they can consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of their investment. An EPC is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures to improve the energy rating. The certificate is important because nearly 50 per cent of the UK’s energy consumption and carbon emissions arise from the way our buildings are lit, heated and used. Even comparatively minor changes in energy performance and the way we use each building will have a significant effect in reducing energy consumption.  

 

Valid for 10 Years

Commercial Energy Performance Certificates are valid for 10 years. However if the building undergoes refurbishment which alters its thermal characteristics or has any of the services upgraded. An up to date EPC should be instructed to reflect the improvement in energy efficiency to new owners/tenants.

Buildings which do not require an EPC

EPCs are not required before the construction of a building is completed. Nor are they required on the sale, rent or construction of:

• Places of worship.
• Temporary buildings with a planned time of use 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 .
• Buildings due to be demolished.

 

As the purpose of an EPCs is to enable potential buyers or tenants to consider energy performance of a building as part of their investment. Transactions which do not involve a new owner or tenant may not require an EPC.

Examples might include: 

• Lease renewals or extensions to existing tenants.
• Compulsory purchase orders.
• Lease surrenders.

 

Buildings that fall within the requirement for an EPC must:

• Have a roof and walls and use energy to condition the indoor climate (i.e has heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation) then you will require an EPC.

 

A building can either be the whole building or part of a building designed or altered to be used separately.
The sale and let of commercial buildings can be complex with floors let to different tenants, and with a mixture of retail, office and residential accommodation. The EPC required for any space you offer for sale or let must reflect the accommodation on offer.