New regulations released this month will extend the requirement for EPCs to include many more commercial properties. Although large properties (above 10,000 square metres) have needed an EPC since April of this year, new regulations launched just this month have extended this requirement to include any commercial premises over 2,500 square meters, as well.
EPCs provide an energy rating for a building based on the characteristics of the building itself as well as its services, such as heating, ventilation and lighting. From 1st October 2008, the scheme will be extended to make EPCs mandatory for the construction, sale or lease of all 'non-dwellings' in the UK, apart from a few specific exemptions.
"This month will see a large increase in the number of commercial properties which will need to have an EPC," said David Kempster, marketing manager, SearchFlow. "Fortunately, even though the commercial EPC is somewhat more complex than the residential EPC, our clients will still be able to make enquiries and place orders easily via SearchFlow's nationwide panel, and will normally receive an estimate for an EPC within 24 hours."
According to the most recent legislation, an EPC must be provided at the earliest opportunity, and as soon as any form of enquiry about the building has been made or any sales particulars have been produced. Otherwise, the landlord and/or seller can be found liable for failing to provide an EPC, and risk being fined for non-compliance.
All commercial EPCs will be valid for 10 years, or until they are replaced with a newer one. All EPCs will be recorded on a Government central register, which means that the same EPC can be provided to prospective tenants or buyers during this 10 year period. A new EPC will be required, however, if significant modifications occur (such an increase or decrease in the number of units), or if the modification affects any of the fixed services for heating, hot water, air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation.
