Non domestic Energy Performance Certificates
What is an EPC and why is it required?
An Energy Performance Certificate is required on all non-domestic buildings that are For Sale or To Let, with a number of exceptions.
The requirement is a result of the EU directive EPBD – Directive 2002/91/EC.
An EPC is intended to inform potential buyers or tenants about the energy performance of a building, so they can consider energy efficiency as part of their investment or business decision to buy or occupy that building.
The certificate is designed to show the energy performance compared to 2 benchmarks, which are:
- A notional building which has been built to 2002 Building Regulations
- An equivalent building, typical of the building stock, which is built to 1995 Building Regulations
The EPC is valid for 10 years, or until another certificate is produced.
Why is it important?
Whilst many building owners will no doubt find this an unnecessary requirement, the EPC should be put in the context of our Government’s legally binding commitments which have emanated from the Kyoto Protocol. This is a commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 from 1990 levels.
Approximately 40% of carbon emissions in the UK come from energy used in buildings.
Whilst new buildings are currently being built to 2006 Building Regulations, which ensures high levels of efficiency, it is assumed that the current building stock will only be replaced at 1% a year. Therefore, it stands to reason that much of the existing building stock will be required to show a significant improvement in energy performance. Therefore the production of an EPC is a starting point, so that it can be understood as to how the energy efficiency can be improved.
What will the payback time be for any improvements?
There are a range of improvements that a typical EPC will recommend. Some of these improvements will undoubtedly have a very long payback time. Others may well be more cost effective. Which solutions will work for individual buildings will depend on what is already there, both in terms of the building fabric and existing services. We will discuss individual building recommendations at any stage of the EPC process.
Our Qualifications
Peter Brears is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He has qualified as a Non Domestic Energy Assessor, via the Government approved Awarding Body for the Built Environment and is accredited with the BRE (Building Research Establishment).
We are fully qualified to produce Non Domestic Energy Performance Certificates to Level 3 and accredited with the BRE (www.bre.co.uk)
We will discuss any recommendations with appropriate parties and how these might be implemented and at what cost.