Confused? You must want a Commercial EPC then!
The legislation surrounding the introduction of commercial energy performance certificates still seems to be causing some confusion for the less experienced commercial property energy assessor and in turn this mis-information is being passed around creating more problems so lets look at some "urban myths" surrounding commercial epc's.
My property is less than 50m2 so I don’t need a commercial epc do I?
Wrong – You will need a commercial epc if the property is attached to another property, for example if it is a semi detached or terraced property.
However if your property is detached and less than 50m2 then it will not require a commercial epc – the best example of this would be one of the older petrol stations, therefore a stand alone unit less than 50m2 would not require an epc.
I have a commercial property but there is no heating in it so I don’t need a commercial epc do I?
Sorry wrong again! If there is the expectation that the unit will have conditioned space, then an EPC is required. The EPC for the shell and core work is based on the maximum design fit out spec that is used for compliance under Part L of the Building Regulations. Part L ensures building work conforms to energy performance standards and the default maximum design spec will apply the 'worst' energy rating for the building under the energy performance targets in Part L. This will ensure the recipient of an EPC is aware of the energy performance implications of installing the full suite of services. Any subsequent fit out work, including installed services, will need to comply with Part L (as in or equal to ADL2B) and the associated energy performance targets.
OK so I need a commercial epc but my tenant will fit their own heating once they move in and as I have a commercial epc then they won’t need one will they?
Any services installed will still need to comply with Building Regulations. To comply with Building Regulations any services installed must meet energy efficiency requirements. Therefore the original EPC is still valid (subject to the EPC being less than 10 years old).
Here at CEAUK we are in regular contact with the relevant government bodies and advisory services relating to commercial property energy performance certificates or non domestic energy performance certificates as they are sometimes known. In this way we are certain that the information we pass on is relevant and upto date. All of our assessors are advised on any changes, they are all qualified - we do not use data gatherers, and we all undergo regular training and update sessions.
The fact that this is a relatively new industry does mean that as it evolves there will be individual interpretations on the legislation where it is vague. The problem for you is deciding which is fact and which is fiction and if you take the wrong advice it could cost you more
You could save yourself a lot of time, trouble and money by contacting CEAUK for advice and a quote either using the links here on this web site or by telephoning 0870 770 8747.
Labels: commercial epc, commercial property energy assesment, energy efficiency, less than 50m2, non domestic epc, offices, Part L Building Regs
<< Home