A commercial building will need an Energy Performance Certificate when it is newly constructed, substantially altered, sold or let (in the latter case this must be before marketing begins).The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is designed to provide information about the energy use of a building and therefore aid either the decision to buy or occupy that building or steps which can be taken to improve its energy efficiency. The EPC will show an asset rating for the building (A+ to G) based upon calculated carbon dioxide emissions. The calculation is based upon the performance of the building fabric and its services (heating; ventilation, lighting etc). The asset rating can then be seen in relation to a benchmark for its type whilst also making comparisons with other properties. Amendments to the original Directive now require the EPC Asset Rating to be incorporated into any marketing material provided by the selling/lettings agents or other representative of the seller/landlord.The legislation applies to: New developments, major alterations, freehold sales, investment property transactions, new lettings/sub lets/assignments, sale and leasebacks.The legislation excludes: Lease renewals or extensions, compulsory purchase orders, lease surrenders.

 

Exemptions: Places of worship, temporary buildings, buildings due to be demolished, Industrial and agricultural buildings with low energy demand. Stand alone buildings less than 50 sq metres.

 

(A building without fixed heating is still unlikely to be exempt unless one of the above exemptions applies)