New legislation has come into force requiring commercial property owners to arrange Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for buildings they are looking to sell or let.
Those wishing to sell, let or construct commercial property need to obtain a certificate which provides a rating of that building’s energy efficiency.
There are three stages in the implementation of EPC legislation:
n From April 6, 2008, EPCs a
re required for commercial buildings of more than 10,000sq m (107,639sq ft).
n From July 1, 2008 EPCs are required for commercial buildings of more than 2,500sq m (26,910sq ft).
n From October 1, 2008, EPCs will be required for commercial buildings of less than 2,500sq m (26,910sq ft).
There are exemptions to this requirement, but most buildings will require an energy assessment leading to an EPC to be produced. This will rate the efficiency of the building fabric and its plant and machinery.
In addition, a compulsory report must be produced outlining potential improvements that could be made to the property to enhance its efficiency.
Julian Welch, director of city commercial property consultant Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “The potential implications here are huge. The legislation has crept up on many commercial property owners, and while at present relatively few properties are affected, come October 1 this year every single property that is let, sold or constructed will need such a certificate.”
The full article contains 238 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
