What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

The first thing you will notice about an EPC is that it looks similar to the energy labels that come with your car or household white goods. Its purpose is to highlight how energy efficient a particular building is, rating it from A to G. With A being very efficient and G – the least efficient. The measure of energy performance in the building is directly related to the amount of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) produced, based on a standard index. Ranging from simple and cost- effective improvements to the building to other more expensive and long-term enhancements.

Each energy rating is tailored to the individual characteristics such as age/type of the building fabric (walls, floors, roof, doors and windows) and its services which include; hot water, heating, cooling, lighting, extracts, ventilation and building control systems.

Every EPC comes with a generic recommendation report, which provides recommendations on improving the given energy rating, ranging from easy-to-implement and cost-effective improvements to the building and more expensive upgrades such as a new heating system.

When is an EPC needed?
An EPC is legally required for all property, commercial or domestic, either when constructed, sold or let. It is now a mediatory requirement for an EPC to be obtained or commissioned before a property is marketed for sale or rent. Failure to commission an EPC within the appropriate timescale will result in an enforcement fine payable by the responsible parties involved with that property, which could be either the property agent, building owner or solicitor.

There are however certain situations when a property may fall outside the requirement to provide an EPC, such as if a commercial property is completely standalone (detached) and is also below 50m2. Other exemption rules that apply relate directly to agricultural and heavy industrial sites and in both cases it is advised to speak to us so that we can evaluate the property in question – which we are happy to do and at no cost to you.

Historically important or listed buildings
Over the past few years these types of properties were exempt from the EPC requirements. However, with the introduction of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), our advice has now changed and you will now need to undertake an EPC assessment of a listed or historical building to determine whether or not you can apply for a temporary exemption from the requirements.

Special rules apply to buildings over 500sq.m
Where an EPC exists for a commercial building larger than 500sq.m which is regularly visited by the public, the EPC must be displayed in a prominent position clearly visible to those who visit the building. In situations where the premises have been rented out, the responsibility is with the occupier or tenant rather than the owner.

Marketing a property for sale or rent?
When marketing any property, you are required on all written material (and all advertisements in the media) to include the EPC asset rating where available. Official guidance recommends that the full graph is included if space permits.

Useful websites
Should I be concerned about a bad rating?

From April 2018, it will be unlawful to rent out a residential or commercial property that does not reach the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES), an ‘E’ rating or above on your EPC. In many cases it will be possible to improve the energy efficiency of a poorly performing building to achieve an ‘E’ rating through simple and cost effective enhancements to the property. We can help you decide which improvements are best for your property, prioritising by cost and maximising the impact on the rating.

How can Survey Hub help?
When EPCs were first introduced in 2008, we were one of the very first companies to undertake the training and become qualified assessors.

Over the past 10 years we have surveyed every type of property imaginable, from shell and core industrial units to grade A offices in central London. We have a wealth of experience helping landlords, property owners and investors achieve the best EPC rating possible. This usually starts with a detailed survey of the property by one of our fully qualified assessors – we do not use data collectors like some of our competitors. All our assessors strive towards a great depth of understanding of many building types, construction techniques and HVAC systems.
Research is essential to ensure the best rating is achieved:

We:
– speak with HVAC manufacturers
– conduct thorough building regulation and planning application searches
– utilise the many specialist resources at our disposal, both online and with our in-house research database.

To produce the most accurate EPC model possible, we use an advanced software package, – Design Builder, to create a 3D model of the property. This software has a massive advantage over other softwares available and ensures no mistakes are made in the geometry.

In 50% of the EPCs we produce for properties that already have a non-compliance EPC (below an E rating), we are able to improve the rating to a compliant level without the need for any additional work or improvements.

Saving you time and unnecessary expenditure.

Speak to one of the teams today to find out more about how we can help.