Commercial Energy Performance Certificates
We provide affordable Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) for businesses that are being sold or leased in the North West. From the 4th of January 2009 the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive dictated that a Commercial EPC will be required upon construction, sale or lease for all non-dwellings, covering everything from small retail units to offices, industrial units and large scale commercial premises such as airports and public buildings.
A commercial EPC provides an energy rating for a building which is based on the performance potential of that building Services such as lighting, heating and ventilation are taken into account as well as the way in which these services are controlled. The now industry standardised A – G energy rating given on the certificate will reflect the intrinsic energy performance standard of the building relative to a benchmark. This rating could then be used by potential buyers or tenants to make comparisons between properties.
The commercial EPC is accompanied by a secondary report that provides recommendations on how the energy performance of the building could be enhanced Responsibility for enforcement in newly built properties will fall to Building Control, whilst Trading Standards departments will enforce certification of existing buildings.
The legislation does have exemptions; for advice on your requirements please contact our commercial EPC department for definitive answers.
Domestic Energy Performance Certificates
All domestic properties being sold, leased or constructed require a domestic Energy Performance Certificate by law. In simple terms,an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a record of the actual and potential energy saving aspects of a particular property. The property is assessed using standard assessment software (RDSAP). Its performance is rated in terms of energy use per square metre of floor. Energy efficiency is based on fuel costs and environmental impact based on carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions.The resulting Energy Performance Certificate issued to you will provide you with clear information on the energy performance of the property and cost effective means for improvement. The responsible person is issued an Energy rating and recommendations for consideration or for the future owner or tenant to consider.
Display Energy Certificates
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) indicate the real energy usage of a building and its operational rating, informing the public of the buildings efficiency. This is calculated by examining and recording the energy consumption of the property as from the gas, electricity and other meters.The DEC must be displayed at all times in a prominent place within the building and be clearly visible to the public.
A DEC is always accompanied by an Advisory Report that lists cost effective measures to improve the energy rating of the building.Currently Display Energy Certificates are only required for buildings that are occupied by a public authority or an institution providing a public service to a large number of persons with a total useable area greater than 1000m2. Display Energy Certificates are valid for one year. The accompanying Advisory Report is valid for 7 years.In the future, the government has announced its intention to consult on whether this requirement should include private sector organisations where large numbers of the public regularly visit the building and a reduction in the minimum size of property.
Part L Compliance Calculations for New Build / Extended Commercial Properties.
At the design stage of a new construction a Part L Compliance Certificate needs to be completed and submitted to Building Control or Approved Inspector at the same time as your Building Control Application.
Upon completion of the construction it is the responsibility of the person carrying out the construction to provide Building Control and the owner of the building with a ´pass´ certificate.
If a building is being modified or extended and includes the provision or extension of fixed services such as heating, air con or ventilation then an EPC is required for Building Control and the owner of the building.