Energy Performance Certificates
EPC’s are intended to inform potential buyers or tenants of the energy efficiency of a building with respect to its CO2 emission rating, its thermal properties based on the performance of the building and its services (e.g. lighting, heating and ventilation).
When does the new legislation come into force?
EPC’s are required upon construction, sale, rent or modification of a building. Legislation for commercial buildings comes into force on the following dates;
Buildings with a floor space exceeding 10,000sqm 6th April 2008
Buildings with a floor space exceeding 2,500 sqm 1st July 2008
Buildings with a floor space exceeding 1,000 sqm 1st October 2008
The performance is based on an Asset Rating Scale of A-G, A being most energy efficient, G being least, similar to the energy rating scales used on white goods. The rating reflects the energy performance relative to a benchmark which can then be used to make comparisons with similar properties. The EPC is accompanied by a Recommendations Report which provides information on how energy performance can be enhanced.
Failure to make an EPC available to any prospective buyer or tenant when selling or letting commercial buildings can incur penalties of up to £5,000 per property.
How do I implement EPC’s?
EPC’s can only be registered by qualified Energy Assessors who have been accredited by a Government approved scheme such as the CIBSE Low Carbon Consultant Scheme, and use approved software systems.
Hulley Eco, the Environmental and Sustainable Division of Hulley & Kirkwood Consulting Engineers Ltd, have qualified Low Carbon Consultants across the whole of the UK who are at present proceeding to become Low Carbon Energy Assessors.
Hulley Eco Low Carbon Energy Assessors;
• Have extensive engineering and energy experience in order to evaluate the
energy performance of buildings;
• Have experience of the calculation of Asset Rating methodology using the
Government approved software tool;
• Have the ability to produce recommendation reports using the report tool
which will highlight potential improvements and cost saving measures.
At present there are very few Government approved Energy Assessors qualified to issue EPC’s, however Hulley Eco already have a number of qualified Energy Assessors with the remainder of the Team currently in the final stages of their CIBSE accredited Training courses which will enable their Low Carbon Consultants to be registered to issue EPC’s.
Due to the current lack of qualified Energy Assessors, the Government has allowed a certain period of grace to the market in order to enable more Energy Assessors to be trained and introduced into the public domain. As it stands, if a building was on the market before 6th April 2008, it does not need an EPC until exchange of contracts or for 6 months, whichever comes first. If the building went on the market however after 6th April 2008, an EPC is needed right away. It is still therefore imperative for building owners to prepare for EPC’s before non-compliance penalties come into play.
Don’t get caught out, contact Hulley Eco today to find out more information or to arrange a visit from a member of our Low Carbon Team. To get in touch and receive free information leaflet on Energy Performance Certificates, please email us.
