Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

Required from 31 December 2008

Does the property require an EPC?

From 31 December 2008 all commercial buildings, including new builds, require an EPC when offered for sale or to let.

Are any properties exempt?

Exemptions include:

• Stand alone buildings with a floor area less than 50 m2
• Places of worship
• Temporary buildings (less than 2 years)
• Low energy demand agricultural buildings
• Buildings to be demolished
• Existing tenancies

How long is the EPC valid for?

A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate is valid for 10 years.

What does a Commercial EPC look like?

A Commercial EPC is similar in appearance to a Domestic EPC with properties grade A – G. The report also contains recommendations for improvements including estimated pay back timescales.

How is a Commercial EPC created?

A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate is created using SBEM software (Simulated Building Energy Model). This software is the national calculation method (NCM) sanctioned by the government and already in use to calculate the energy performance of new buildings prior to building control approval. The building is zoned according to activity, HVAC (Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning) systems and construction types. Information required for each zone includes areas and full technical specification of all elements - windows, doors, walls etc.

Other information required includes full specification of Domestic hot water system, HVAC system and controls, lighting system and controls, solar systems, thermal characteristics and building orientation. Therefore if plans of the building are not available, the building must first be surveyed and a set of plans created. Due to the detailed nature of the survey and the information and calculations necessary, the process is much more complex than a Domestic EPC and should not be considered similar in any way other than the end result.

Who is responsible for commissioning an EPC?

The Property Manager, Landlord, owner or developer is responsible for insuring an EPC is made available. Failure to comply could result in a fine of 12.5% of the rateable value up to a maximum £5000.

How much will a Commercial EPC cost?

The cost of a commercial EPC will vary dependant on a variety of factors such as location, availability of floor plans and technical specifications, age and complexity of property etc. Please contact us with as much information as possible to receive an accurate quotation.