Commercial
EPC
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a mandatory standard of measurement for energy efficiency in both domestic and commercial building settings. Most commercial buildings in the UK require a valid Non-Domestic EPC (also known as a Commercial EPC) upon construction, as well as when let or sold. An EPC rates a building’s energy efficiency on a scale from A to G. The rating A denotes that the building is very energy efficient, while a G indicates that a building is the least energy efficient. All members of the kW Energy Consultants team are expert Level 5 energy assessors and are able to arrange an EPC for your building. The sections below give more detail about non-domestic EPCs in Nottingham, the East Midlands and further afield - we have nationwide coverage.
For advice and for a quote get in touch.
Why get a Commercial EPC?
An EPC is more than just a legal obligation. A stronger EPC rating increases the market value of a property over buildings with poor ratings, as well as resulting in reduced operating costs because of the better efficiency. Failure to produce an EPC to prospective tenants when selling or letting a property can result in a fine ranging from £500 to £5000 depending on the rateable value. Moreover, in 2018 the UK government introduced the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which made it illegal to market a property with an EPC rating lower than E. Non-compliance with this minimum standard could result in a maximum fine of up to £150,000.
There are some exceptions to the legislation regarding buildings and properties that need an EPC. They are as follows:
Places of worship.
Holiday accommodation that is occupied for less than four months each year.
Properties and buildings scheduled for future demolitions.
Properties and buildings whose usefulness will not extend beyond a year.
Stand-alone buildings or property with a useful floor space of 50 square meters or less.
Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas are also exempt from EPCs if the resulting energy improvement requirements were to ‘unacceptably alter’ the character or appearance of the property.
Our qualified energy assessors can advise you on whether or not your building is exempt from the EPC requirements.
The contents of a Commercial EPC
A valid Commercial EPC should display the Energy Performance Asset Rating from A to G, as well as some necessary details of the property or building in question. They include the size, age, condition, and location of the property under assessment.
Each Commercial EPC also comes with a recommendation report with suggestions to reduce energy consumption. When implemented these improvements can save significant amounts of money and yield great improvements in the EPC rating. Based on the A-G scale, an average UK property will be in the D-E bracket. At kW Energy Consultants we strive to help our clients exceed this average and reduce their damaging effect on the environment.
Q & A
How long is a Commercial EPC valid for?
Non-domestic EPCs are valid for 10 years.
Is an EPC needed for the entire building or just the part being sold or let?
Typically an EPC is just for the property that is being sold or let.
Are Commercial EPC recommendations mandatory?
No, however with the introduction of MEES a property can not be sold or let unless it has an EPC rating of E or above. Implementing the recommendations can also lower running costs and make the property more attractive to prospective buyers or investors, so it is wise to try to implement the EPC recommendations. All our EPC recommendations are designed to be viable and cost-effective to ensure they can be implemented for the optimal results.
Getting a Commercial EPC
A Commercial EPC has to be produced by an accredited Energy Assessor such as kW Energy Consultants. To find out more about how we can help you with your Commercial EPC and increase the energy efficiency of your property, get in touch today using any of the following methods:-
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You can call us on 07837 941220 to speak to one of our energy assessors directly
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You can email us at james@kwenergyconsultants.com
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You can complete the contact form below.
You can also check out our other compliance services - BRUKL and DECs.
At kW Energy Consultants we believe that everyone has a role to play in the prevention of irreversible climate change. We want to help you do your bit.