Energy Performance Certificates

Since 2008, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have been legally required for any commercial building over 50 m2 when it is built, sold or rented. The certificate is valid for 10 years and must be accompanied by any recommendations report. The revelations report should include references to the existing recognised benchmarks, with suggestions on cost-effective measures to improve energy performance.

The Certificate

The Energy Performance Certificate provides an asset rating for a building. A numerical indicator is provided on the certificate to enable users to easily identify the amount of energy that is likely to be required to maintain the building for its intended use. The calculation is within the certificate take into account the building fabric, building services such as heating, cooling, lighting, hot water and ventilation.

The purpose of the Energy Performance Certificate is to demonstrate the energy efficiency of a commercial building to potential owners or tenants. The certificate enables the owners and tenants to compare the likely energy costs of the building with that of similar properties that they may be interested in. In doing so, the government hope the energy performance certificate scheme will improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings in the UK.

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The Energy Performance Certificate is part of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which aims to promote energy efficiency in all new and existing buildings throughout Europe. The EPBD aims to lead to a substantial increase in investment in energy efficiency measures in new and existing buildings.

Exemptions

A small number of buildings are exempt from the requirement to have an Energy Performance Certificate. Places of worship, buildings with low energy demands and temporary buildings with a planned use of less than two years, are not required to have an EPC.