Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (NDEPC's)
Since the 1st October 2008, there has been a legal requirement for all buildings used for Commercial purposes to have in place Energy Performance Certificates at point of sale, rent or construction. Commercial EPC's are based on the calculated energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions, are valid for 10 years and there is not a requirement for renewal each time the building is sold or let within this 10 year period.
The only exceptions from this legal requirement are; Places of worship Temporary buildings with an expected lifespan of less than 2 years Buildings with appropriate permissions for demolition and re-development Stand alone buildings of less than 50m2 of useful floor area Non-residential buildings that do not use energy to condition the indoor climate such as barns or car parks.
Burnham Surveying Services Ltd
Accredited for Level 3 commercial buildings which covers small simple design, basic services buildings. To produce the Energy Performance Certificate, we would visit the building to conduct a survey where information is gathered on the building dimensions, construction elements, type of heating, type of lighting and levels of insulation. The building split into usage zones, prior to all the information being fed into government approved software. The energy rating and EPC are then produced, lodged on the governments' centralised register and a unique report reference number (RRN) assigned. The cost to produce Commercial EPC's will vary according to the nature of the property and whether scaleable drawings are available. Due to the wide variation of commercial buildings, cost will generally be based on size, usage and location.
To produce the EPC the Simplified Building Energy Model will be the methodology used. Developed by Building Research Establishment (BRE) for Communities and Local Government (CLG). This model demonstrates compliance with the requirements of Part L2 of the Building Regulations for new and refurbished commercial buildings. This will provide an energy rating for the energy efficiency of and carbon emissions generated by the building. A recommendation report will also be produced and attached to the certificate, providing details on ways to improve the energy efficiency and what impacts such improvements might have on the rating.
In the case of EPCs to be included within a Home Information Pack they should be dated no more than 3 years prior to marketing the property.
CLG Guidance on Compliance with the regulation
The latest requirements from the Governments' Communities and Local Government department, dated 16th October 2008, gives guidance when marketing Commercial property for sale or rent. Please refer to "Useful Documents” from our Home page.
For buildings placed on the market after the 1st October 2008 an EPC has to be in place before the building can be actively marketed, viewings undertaken or sales particulars provided to prospective tenants / purchasers. The property vendor or landlord is required to order the EPC in good time and at least 14 days before it is required to avoid penalty charges.
Failure to comply with these requirements will incur a penalty charge which in most cases will be 12.5% of the rateable value of the building with a default penalty of £750 where the formula cannot be applied. The quoted range of penalties are set with a minimum of £500 and capped at a maximum of £5000. It is the vendor or landlord that will be liable for the penalty. If you have any questions regarding the requirements for Commercial Energy Performance Certificates or would like a quotation for a particular project, please contact us via the details on our "Contact Us” page, for a full professional service.
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