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IF you’ve bought or sold a property in the last ten years you will almost certainly be familiar with Energy Performance Certificates or EPCs.
But did you know you also need one if you own or let a commercial property and are looking to move on?
In this blog we explain what an EPC is, when you might need one and how our experts at Acorn Safety Services will soon be launching a new service for our commercial customers to help make the process even easier.
Understanding the basics: What is an EPC?
EPCs are an important document which show any prospective buyer or tenant just how energy efficient your premises are, helping them to build a complete picture about the property and any future energy costs.
Ratings are graded from A-G – with ‘A’ being the most efficient.
According to the Government, you must have an EPC in place if you rent or sell the premises, if a building under construction is completed or if there are changes to the number of parts used for separate occupation and these changes involve providing or extending fixed heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems.
You must also display an EPC if the total useful floor area is more than 500 square metres, the building is frequently visited by the public, and an EPC has already been produced for the building’s sale, rental or construction. All EPCs are valid for ten years.
Under the current rules, you cannot let or renew a lease on your property if the EPC is F or G rated, but from April 1 next year, owners must not continue letting the property it has a rating of F or G.
Are there any exemptions?
You don’t need an EPC if the property is listed or protected and if any requirements to reach the minimum standard would alter the building. You don’t need one if you have a temporary building which is being used for less than two years or if it is a place of worship.
You are also exempt it is an industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that doesn’t use much energy, a detached building with a floor space under 50 square metres or if it is due to be demolished. You may also be exempt if your premises are vacant.
For the full list of exemptions visit Energy Performance Certificates for your business premises: Exemptions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
It’s also worth bearing in mind that the costs of not having the correct EPCs in place can be high. You can be fined anywhere from £500 to £5,000 if an EPC is not made available to a prospective buyer or tenant.
I think I need an EPC – what happens next?
At Acorn Safety Services we’re constantly reviewing the range of services available, and we will soon be able to offer Level 3 and 4 surveys.
As part of a package of health and safety management options which includes fire safety, legionella testing, health and safety audits and a full asbestos service, we’re making EPC assessments hassle-free and easy to organise – just get in touch with our team of friendly experts to register your interest today.
Our experts are City and Guilds trained and with offices in Northampton, Wolverhampton and London we’re perfectly placed to reach you wherever you are in the country.
Acorn is a professional asbestos consultancy helping organisations deal with asbestos compliance using asbestos surveys, asbestos air testing, and asbestos removal management.
Please call one of the team, or use the online form to obtain your free quotation. If you would like further information or advice on asbestos and asbestos training, contact the team on 0844 818 0895 or Contact Us
