Non-dwellings or Commercial Buildings
What is an EPC?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are for all buildings and will be required whenever a building is constructed, rented or sold. They are broadly similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
Its purpose is to record how energy efficient a property is as a building. The certificate will provide a rating of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient.
EPCs are produced using standard methods with standard assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type. This allows prospective buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers and purchasers to see information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions from their building so they can consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of their investment.
An EPC is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures (such as low and zero carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating of the building. The certificate is also accompanied by information about the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
An Energy Performance Certificate is only required when a non-dwelling building is constructed, sold or rented out and is valid for 10 years.
When EPCs are required
The legislation will come into force in a phased manner as outlined in the table below:
6 April '08 |
EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of non-dwelling (commercial) buildings with a floor area over 10,000 m2. |
1 July '08 |
EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of non-dwelling (commercial) buildings with a floor area over 2,500 m2. |
1 Oct '08 |
EPCs required on the sale or rent of all remaining dwellings
EPCs required on the construction, sale or rent of all remaining non-dwelling (commercial) buildings
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What do EPCs and DECs cost?
Costs for non-dwelling (commercial) EPCs and DECs vary according to the size, complexity and layout of the building and the information available about it. Generally, the more information that is to hand the less the cost of the EPC is likely to be.
To evaluate a building for an EPC assessment the following information is required:
- floor plans in digital /CAD format*
- all elevations and roof plans
- details of the building’s construction, including all fabric U values
- efficiency details for all the building services elements, including lighting systems
- “base build” information only is required including details of the tenants’ fitting out contracts
* NB. If floor plans are not available we can produce them from undertaking a measured survey of the building.
Social Housing New Buildings Public Buildings
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