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What is a commercial EPC and why would I need one?
An EPC for commercial property is a report that details a building’s energy efficiency. When a business property is constructed, sold, leased, or rented out a commercial EPC is required by law. It is also necessary if there is a change in use, such as when an office is transformed into a store or warehouse.
A commercial EPC’s objective is to educate prospective purchasers or tenants about the building’s energy efficiency.
They can use this information to understand the property’s heating cost and decide accordingly. An EPC can also assist property owners in identifying possible cost savings from energy efficiency upgrades.
All non-domestic properties in the UK, such as offices, retail establishments, warehouses, and industrial structures, are obliged by law to have commercial EPCs which are valid for 10 years from the date of issue
Accredited commercial energy assessors (CEAs) create commercial EPCs . The CEA will inspect the building and evaluate its energy efficiency using a standard assessment technique.
Upon request, a commercial EPC shall be made accessible to prospective purchasers or tenants. If it is being rented out, it must also be visible throughout the property.
The energy performance certificate (EPC) for businesses is rated from A to G, with A representing the highest efficiency and G the lowest. The building’s overall energy efficiency as well as the energy efficiency of specific systems and appliances within the building are used to determine the rating.
A commercial EPC contains recommendations for enhancing the building’s energy efficiency in addition to the rating. Installation of insulation, a switch to energy-efficient appliances, or the use of renewable energy sources are a few examples of these recommendations.
Energy Performance Certificate for Commercial Properties in London?
London, like most major cities in the world, has an incredibly diverse array of buildings and properties in the heart of the city and the surrounding areas. Understanding building types and construction methods is of the utmost importance when preparing an EPC for such buildings.
In addition London has also been at the forefront of innovating new communal heating systems to supply these premises. Incorrect recognition of both these factors and the smallest of errors can result in incorrect ratings being displayed on the report. Our team of experienced commercial Energy Assessors (Non-Domestic DEAs) have many years of understanding and navigating through these facts to produce your required reports with accuracy. Contact us today to get a quote or discuss your requirements further.
What is the cost of a Commercial EPC?
London and the south east has a rich history of architecture ranging from Roman structures to modern cutting edge developments. The complexity of these buildings accompanied with other factors such as size, numbers of elevations etc makes providing a one cost fits all an impossibility. However our trained office staff can provide you with a bespoke price by gathering a handful of information. Contact us today to receive a competitive no obligation quote for Commercial EPC needs in London. Our competitively priced commercial EPCs start from as little as £195 + VAT.
What is involved in a Commercial EPC process?
Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) procedure begins with a visit to the property by one of our experienced and qualified assessors who will conduct a physical inspection of all the primary components (building fabric, lighting, business services), taking into account any alterations made to the building over time.
The assessor will divide the property into zones based on the activities that take place there, and during the visit they will determine what those activities are.
Each zone’s measurements are tracked independently within the programme, and when added together should correspond to the overall size of the structure.
Additional information may be requested from the person commissioning the EPC if information about the building adaptations is not readily apparent from the inspection.
Common examples of details that may need further explanation include: planning reports detailing the dates of various additions and alterations; heating, mechanical ventilation, and air conditioning system serial numbers; and information on renewable energy sources.
The assessor is obligated to revert to ‘default’ values, which will suppress the rating, if the information is not provided and can’t be evidenced. Any information provided by the property owner or manager can help minimise any delays in the production of the report. Once all the information is collected this is compiled and entered into the dedicated software to produce this report.
Following registration on the portal an electronic copy of the commercial EPC will be emailed to you.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) commercial property sector
As per the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), since 1st April 2018, it has been mandatory for all new and renewed leases of commercial properties in the UK to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E. Starting from 1st April 2023, this requirement will expand to cover all existing leases as well.
In practical terms, this implies that landlords of commercial buildings will be required to ensure their properties meet this minimum standard of energy efficiency before they are lawfully rented to both new and existing tenants. Furthermore, from 1st April 2023 onwards, it will not be permitted to maintain existing tenancies for commercial properties that have an EPC rating of less than E, i.e., F or G ratings.
What other related services do you provide?
Gas Safety Certificate:
A certificate issued after inspection and testing of the complete gas installation within a property, including the gas appliances. The installation is checked for both correct operation and safety. In the UK a Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement to rent a property and needs to be renewed every 12 months.
EICR:
Electrical Installation Condition Report formerly known as periodic Inspection Report is a certificate outlining the condition of the electrical installation within a property and any potential or existing hazards. An EICR is a legal requirement for rental properties in the UK and may be required if you are selling your home.
Boiler Servicing:
An annual boiler service is carrying out a series of checks and cleaning to the boiler in order to maintain and increase the life of a boiler. It is also a requirement by the manufacturer to honour any boiler guarantees.
PAT Testing:
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the label used for inspection and testing of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use and clear of any hazards. Majority of electrical safety issues can be found by visual inspection but some types of defects can only be found by testing. Using the correct calibrated PAT testing equipment.
Domestic EPC:
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document collated from an energy assessment of a property to outline how efficiently the property performs in energy consumption and heat retention. Similar to the multi-coloured labels now seen on new appliances, EPCs advise how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). In the UK an EPC is a legal document required to rent or sell your property.
Legionella Risk Assessment:
To help identify potential risk factors in buildings, premises, and facilities, a legionella risk assessment is used. In order to establish effective Legionella risk controls, the findings are then used to identify the interventions that are necessary as well as the procedures and policies that need to be put in place in order to avoid existence and spread of Legionella.
Asbestos Surveys:
Asbestos surveys are inspections undertaken within a building, a property or home for the purpose of identifying existence of asbestos containing material (ACM).
Fire Risk Assessments:
Fire Risk Assessment is a thorough inspection of a place of business or residence to gather visual information if any fire hazards exist, if they could cause harm, quantify the level of risk and how best they can be removed.
Property Inventories:
Rental property inventory services, including one off inventories, check ins, check outs, interim reports and mid term reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a commercial EPC?
Most commercial buildings are required by law to have an EPC when they are built, sold, or rented. They provide valuable information about a building’s energy efficiency and can assist in identifying opportunities for energy savings and cost reduction.
Who can carry out a commercial EPC?
A qualified assessor who is registered with an accredited certification scheme must prepare commercial EPCs. The assessor will perform an energy audit on the building and use the results to create the EPC.
How long is the validity of a commercial EPC?
Commercial EPCs have a 10 year validity period from the date of issue.
What is the cost of a commercial EPC?
The cost of a commercial EPC is determined by the size and complexity of the structure. Commercial EPCs typically cost £200 Plus VAT and upwards.
Is it possible to obtain a commercial EPC for a listed building?
Yes, a commercial EPC can be obtained for a listed building. However, the evaluation could be more complicated and expensive.
Is a commercial EPC required if I am only renting a portion of a building?
Yes, if you are renting a portion of a building, you will need a commercial EPC for that portion of the building.
Is it possible to obtain a commercial EPC if the building is vacant?
Yes, a commercial EPC can be obtained for a vacant building. However, based on the building’s age, construction, and location, the assessor may need to make some assumptions about its energy performance.
Is it possible to obtain a commercial EPC if the building is being demolished?
Yes it is possible but commercial EPC is not required for a demolished building. If you are selling or renting the land on which the building is located, you may be required to provide evidence that it is being demolished.
What are the MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)?
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are a set of regulations in England and Wales that apply to commercial buildings. Before renting to new tenants, landlords must ensure that their properties have an EPC rating of at least E.
When do the MEES come into play?
The MEES are applicable to commercial properties rented to new tenants on or after April 1, 2018. They do not apply to currently rented properties unless the tenancy is renewed or the property is sold.
Can I rent out my commercial property even if it does not meet the MEES?
If your commercial property does not meet the MEES, you may still be able to rent it if you can show that you have made all reasonable efforts to improve the property’s energy efficiency and that doing so is not cost effective. Exemptions must also be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.
What happens if I do not follow the MEES?
If you fail to comply with the MEES, you could face fines of up to £150,000. You may also be unable to find new tenants until the property meets minimum energy efficiency standards.
Can I get a grant to help pay for MEES improvements?
You may be eligible for grants or funding to pay for improvements to meet the MEES depending on the location and type of building. Some government programmes provide funding for energy efficiency improvements, such as EPCs.
Is a commercial EPC required if I am selling a commercial property?
If you are selling a commercial property, you will need a commercial EPC. The EPC must be provided to potential buyers as part of the property’s marketing materials.
Is a commercial EPC required if I am leasing a commercial property?
If you are leasing a commercial property, you will need a commercial EPC. As part of the leasing agreement, the tenant must receive the EPC.
Can I obtain a commercial EPC for a newly constructed property?
Yes, a commercial EPC can be obtained for a property that is under construction. The EPC, on the other hand, will be based on the building’s design and may not reflect the actual energy performance of the completed building.
Is it possible to obtain a commercial EPC for a home that is being converted from residential to commercial use?
Yes, a commercial EPC can be obtained for a property that is being converted from residential to commercial use. The EPC will be based on the property’s energy performance because it will be used for commercial purposes.
Is it possible to obtain a commercial EPC for a building that is being converted from commercial to residential use?
Yes, a commercial EPC can be obtained for a property that is being converted from commercial to residential use. However, the EPC will be based on the property’s energy performance as it was used for commercial purposes. If the property is being converted to residential use, obtaining a residential EPC may be more cost-effective.
What is the EPC register?
The EPC register is a database that contains data on the energy efficiency of commercial buildings in England and Wales. It includes the EPC rating, the date of the assessment, and the assessor’s contact information.
What is the significance of the EPC register?
The EPC register is important because it provides a centralised, easily accessible source of information about commercial building energy performance. It can be used to track a building’s energy efficiency over time, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
Who needs a Commercial EPC?
If you are selling, renting or building a commercial property in the UK, you’re legally required to have a valid EPC. Some exceptions apply, including certain listed buildings, temporary properties, and buildings with a very low energy demand.
Who is responsible for obtaining the EPC?
The property owner or landlord is typically responsible for obtaining a Commercial EPC. If a commercial property is being sold, the seller usually provides the EPC, while landlords must provide it to tenants.
What does the EPC rating mean?
The EPC rating is a measure of the property’s overall energy efficiency. It is graded from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It provides recommendations for improving the building’s energy performance
What happens if I don’t have a Commercial EPC?
Failure to have a valid EPC can result in penalties, which vary depending on the property’s rateable value. It’s also a legal requirement to have an EPC before marketing the property.
How can I improve my Commercial EPC rating?
Improvements can be made in several areas such as lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The EPC report often includes recommendations for improving the building’s energy performance.
Can a Commercial EPC be updated?
Yes, if changes are made to improve the energy efficiency of the building, a new EPC can be commissioned to reflect these changes. However, the existing EPC remains valid until it expires or a new one is produced.