Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these new regulations required?
The Government was obliged under an EU Directive to introduce a system of measuring energy efficiency of all non domestic; buildings by 1 January 2009. The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates & Inspections) (England & Wales) Regulations 2007 produced new regulations requiring certain buildings to have a commercial EPC or a Display Energy Certificate. Since 4th January 2009 virtually all commercial properties require a commercial EPC when they are built, sold or let. The commercial EPC must be available when they are first placed on the market and can only be prepared by Commercial Energy Assessors.
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Isn't this just another tax on hard pressed businesses?
There are certainly additional costs involved, but as Commercial EPCs and Display Energy Certificates become more widely understood it is expected that people will start to base their judgement on which building to buy or lease partly on the Commercial EPC rating. So buildings with good Commercial EPC ratings will become more valuable over time.
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How long are a commercial EPC and Display Energy Certificate valid for?
A commercial EPC is valid for 10 years or until replaced with a newer one.
A Display Energy Certificate for a public building over 1,000m2 is valid for 1 year, but the accompanying Advisory Report is valid for 7 years. A Display Energy Certificate for a public building over 250m2 is valid for 10 years.
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What are the penalties for not having a valid commercial EPC or Display Energy Certificate where required?
The penalty for failing to make a commercial EPC available to any prospective purchaser or tenant when selling or letting commercial premises is fixed, in most cases, at 12.5% of the rateable value, with a minimum fine of £500 and a maximum fine of £5,000. Having paid the fine the commercial EPC is still required - so it's not an option!
The penalty for failing to prominently display a Display Energy Certificate where required is £500 with a further fine of £1,000 for failing to possess a valid Advisory Report.
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How much does a commercial EPC cost or how much does a Display Energy Certificate cost?
The price for a commercial EPC and Display Energy Certificate is determined by the market. Sustineo are highly competitive. In order to quote for a commercial EPC or Display Energy Certificate we simply need some details of the size, age and type of property and how it is conditioned (i.e. heating, cooling) and whether accurate floor plans are available. Only accredited commercial energy assessors can provide a commercial EPC or a Display Energy Certificate.
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Who is responsible for obtaining a commercial EPC or Display Energy Certificate?
New building – it is the contractor's responsibility to provide the owner with the commercial EPC.
Sale – it is the seller’s responsibility to provide the commercial EPC for prospective buyers.
Letting – it is the lessor or assignor's responsibility to provide the commercial EPC for prospective tenants.
The building occupier is responsible for commissioning a Display Energy Certificate.
