Frequently Asked Questions
What are Energy Performance Certificates?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are the government's chosen way
of complying with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The
certificate will provide a rating of the energy efficiency and CO2 emissions of
a building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient.
New legislation will mean that at the point of construction, sale or rent,
commercial buildings will be required to have a valid EPC.
When must an EPC be provided?
On sale or letting of a property an EPC must be provided at the earliest
opportunity. Before entering into any written contract, or sooner if written
details of the business is provided to a prospective buyer or tenant.
What does an EPC tell my prospective purchaser and what is involved?
To help potential tenants, owners and occupiers consider energy efficiency in
their investment, the certificate will contain:
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Information on the property's energy efficiency rating
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Carbon emissions produced by the building
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An estimate of annual running costs
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Suggestions on how to improve the energy efficiency of the building
To prepare you EPC a physical inspection of the property will be required by a
qualified Accredited Assessor who will collect all the data necessary to make
the calculations and examine any energy saving options available for your
property. This is calculated through a methodology called the Simplified
Building Energy Model and will look at the following factors:
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Thermal characteristics of the building
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Heating installation and hot water supply
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Air conditioning installation
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Ventilation
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Built-in lighting installation
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Position and orientation of building
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Solar Energy Systems
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Natural ventilation
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Low/Zero Carbon Systems.
This will not provide any disruption to the day to day running of your business.
How much does an EPC cost?
The time taken to conduct an EPC will vary with the type and size of
the business, the age of the premises and current commercial use.
To request further information on how much your EPC will cost please fill in the
request form to the right of this page or call 0845 223 2052.
SPECIAL OFFER: Asbestos 1 report
for £150 + vat with your EPC (usual cost £495 +vat, this may reduce the time
taken to sell your business once solicitors are instructed).
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