Now that EPC Certificate (EPCs) are required for all commercial properties, operators need to know what’s expected of them. Ian Ridley of property agent Colliers Robert Barry explains.
THE PROBLEM
What are Energy Performance Certificates and do I need one?
THE LAW
You may have read about Home Improvement Packs (HIPs), which contained an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for residential properties that became compulsory before marketing a house last year.
Now EPCs will be required for all commercial properties, including hotels and pubs. These measures are being introduced to comply with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, as according to the Government, half the UK’senergy consumption arises from heating and lighting buildings, and it hopes this will provide market pressure to encourage higher levels of energy efficiency.
To gain an EPC, the premises have to be assessed by an accredited energy surveyor who has been approved by a body, which has itself gained approval from the secretary of state. A full set of floor plans for the property will be needed, including non-trading areas and floor-to-ceiling heights, plus details of all services, such as boiler and air conditioning type and output.
Timetable for introduction is 6 April 2008 for properties over 10,000sq m, 1 July 2008 for properties more than 2,500sq m and 1 October 2008 for all properties in England and Wales below 2,500sq m.
The timetables for Scotland and Northern Ireland are slightly delayed.
EXPERT ADVICE
The legislation states that any building offered for sale or rent which is not of temporary construction or a place of worship must, from the appropriate dates, have a valid certificate issued by an accredited energy surveyor. Consequently, nearly all transactions will require an EPC except for lease renewals and compulsory purchase orders.
The EPC will show the theoretical energy consumption/carbon rating using a standard assessment model to enable comparison between buildings. It will last for 10 years regardless of owners or occupiers.