Whether you are building, selling or renting a property, an Energy Performance Certificate will be required by law. An EPC shows anyone interested in the property its energy efficiency, which will include the running costs of the property and its environmental impact. The energy we use in our buildings for heating, lighting and power produces over a quarter of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions each year. Having an EPC can help you take the appropriate steps towards reducing your impact on the environment, as well as helping you reduce the cost of your energy bills. At Bradley-Mason LLP, our Building Consultancy team can offer advice on how to reduce your commercial property’s impact on the environment so that your property is rated highly when it comes to energy efficiency. In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know about EPCs…
What does an EPC do?
An EPC will rate the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a property from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient. The energy efficiency is calculated on the standard consumption of energy and the cost of energy at the time the certificate is issued, which is important to remember if you are comparing various properties’ EPCs, as it is likely they were issued at different dates. The EPC is accompanied by a recommendations report which will suggest works that could be carried out to help save money and reduce costs, but you are not required to carry out these works.
When must you obtain an EPC?
Ideally, an EPC should be obtained before the property goes up for rent or sale, as those interested should be able to view it. However, if the owner of the property does not already have a valid EPC at the time the property goes on the market, he/she will have seven days to obtain one, with a maximum of 28 days under extenuating circumstances. If you fail to provide an EPC, Local Authority Trading Standards can issue you with a fixed penalty of £200, with six months to pay it. You’ll also need an EPC if your building changes significantly in some way.
How do you get an EPC?
As a landlord, you can undertake necessary training to issue your own EPC, as it can be obtained from any accredited provider. However, it is much more worthwhile to simply find an already-accredited assessor, such as Bradley-Mason LLP, who will assess your property sufficiently before producing a certificate. The certificate will be recorded on a central register.
How long does an EPC last?
An EPC lasts for ten years and can be used many times during this period. If you require work to be carried out on your property you do not need to have a new EPC, although it is wise to obtain a new one if your property has undergone a significant amount of work.
At Bradley-Mason LLP, we believe it is each individual’s responsibility to ensure that they are doing what they can to reduce their impact on the environment, and an EPC will help any proprietor to do so. Our team have wide ranging experience in all commercial sectors, together with residential developments, that includes knowing the best ways to increase energy efficiency. If you would like more information on how we can help you with your project management, or would like us, as accredited assessors to provide you with a valid EPC, get in touch, today.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for general information only and not intended as advice. Each project has its own set of unique circumstances, all potential issues should be investigated by a surveyor on a case by case basis before making any decision.