Commercial EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates)

From January 2009 a Commercial (or Non Domestic) EPC is required when a property is sold or offered for rental. The EPC can only be produced by a qualified energy assessor, who is a member of an approved certification scheme. To comply with the law, you need to provide an EPC when the property is first marketed.

There are a number of EPC exemptions and we are happy to advise whether an EPC is required for a specific property.

The EPC provides a graphical rating of the property's energy performance, with comparables to properties of a similar type. It is accompanied by a recommendation report based upon the assessor's findings. There is currently no obligation to implement these recommendations, although it may prove cost effective and benefit the environment to do so.

Commercial buildings vary greatly in size and complexity. Our two assessors are competent to assess Level 3 properties - small and medium sized retail premises, industrial units or office buildings with conventional heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Our assessors are based in Tunbridge Wells and Horsham and where time allows may be able to visit the property to confirm competence to carry out the assignment and cost.

How The EPC is Produced

The EPC is produced following an inspection at which the assessor records and photographs the features of the property that affect its energy efficiency such as dimensions, construction, insulation, heating/hot water system, lighting, ventilation, air conditioning and renewables.

The inspection, data recording and subsequent certificate production is a time consuming process and we recommend that you allow up to a week from inspection to receipt of the EPC. We prefer to work from plans if they are available but are happy to produce our own. Other information that would be particularly beneficial is written documentation regarding build date, subsequent alterations, energy improvements and services.

The assessor needs full access to the property to collect the data accurately. Once the certificate is lodged it cannot be amended so we strongly recommend that the assessor is provided with access to all information, features of the property and documentation that would affect the rating at the time of the inspection, to avoid having to rely on worst case assumptions.

Non Domestic EPCs are currently valid for ten years.