EPC, EPCs, Commercial EPC, Commercial EPCs, Energy assessor

Commercial buildings produce nearly quarter of the UK ’s carbon production. That is more than the carbon emissions of cars and planes. The way a building is fuelled, heated, lit and ventilated are all part of the cause of carbon emissions.

Energy Performance Certificates- EPCs- have been initiated to help monitor the energy efficiency of buildings.
If you are selling or letting a building, or have constructed a new building you now need a certificate by law. EPCs are required whenever a building is marketed, except for certain exceptions (see below). The certificate provides ratings for the building, with 'A' having low carbon emissions and 'G' having high carbon emissions.

The seller or landlord has the responsibility to attain an EPC. They will need to find a qualified EPC energy assessor, like Coles Knapp, to survey their property and generate the certificate. This involves the Energy Assessor surveying the building, and then registering the certificate, so the government knows you have an EPC. Failure to have an Energy Performance Certificate when marketing can result in a fine. Enforcement is carried out by local Trading Standards departments. Failure to provide a commercial EPC if requested when marketing carries a maximum fine of £5000 per infringement.

If properties such as houses, flats and apartments are marketed for sale, the EPC forms part of the HIP. If they are rented the tenants must be provided with a copy on signing the lease

An EPC will not be required on construction, sale or rent of: places of worship; temporary buildings with a planned time of use less than two years; stand alone (entirely detached) buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m2 that are not dwellings; industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand; on sale or rent for buildings due to be demolished.