WHAT
ARE ENERGY CERTIFICATES AND DO I NEED ONE?
Background to new
legislation
On 1 October 2008, non-domestic¹ buildings in England and Wales that
use energy to condition the indoor climate became subject to the Energy
Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections)(England and Wales)
Regulations 2007 SI 2007/991 and SI 2007/1669² .
Broadly similar legislation applies in Scotland.
What is an Energy
Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Newly constructed commercial buildings, and existing commercial buildings
undergoing sale, lease, or significant change, must obtain an EPC. This
reflects the energy efficiency of a building with categories ranging from
A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient). Owners and landlords must
provide an EPC free of charge to prospective purchasers and tenants. EPCs
are accompanied by a report, which includes cost-effective recommendations
to improve energy performance. Indicative paybacks are listed.
What is a Display
Energy Certificate (DEC)?
Public buildings over 1000m² floor area must obtain a DEC, which
reflects the actual energy efficiency of a building with categories ranging
from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient). An Advisory Report that
lists cost effective measures to improve the energy rating of the building
accompanies the DEC. The DEC must be displayed in a prominent position.
If the building is sold or let it will additionally require an EPC.
How long are they
valid?
EPCs are valid for 10 years, DECs for 1 year, and the DEC Advisory Report
for 7 years.
Do I need one?
On 1 October 2008, EPCs and DECs became legal requirements.
What if I don’t
have an EPC or a DEC?
In practice it will be virtually impossible to sell or let a commercial
building without an EPC. There are also penalties for non-compliance ranging
from £500 to £5000.
The Penalty for not displaying a DEC is £500 and for not producing
the Advisory Report £1000.
In addition to the penalty, the owners, tenants or operators will be required
to commission a new certificate.
Who can issue EPCs
and DECs?
EPCs and DECs may only be issued by qualified, registered assessors.
What is involved
in obtaining an EPC
The work consists of:
A site visit by
a qualified, registered assessor in order to:
- Produce a building
plan for thermal modelling purposes (or to confirm that recent architectural
plans agree with final plan layout and construction details).
- Gathering of information
on construction, heating, cooling, lighting and services.
Software based analysis to
ascertain energy performance using a national approved calculation methodology.
This is most likely to be the “Simplified Building Energy Model”
(SBEM)³ .
Issuing of an Energy Performance
Certificate detailing the building’s performance rating.
What is involved
in obtaining a DEC
The work consists of:
A site visit by a qualified,
registered assessor in order to:·
- Produce a building plan
(or to confirm that recent architectural plans agree with final
plan layout and construction details).
- Gathering of information
on energy consumption and occupancy.
Software based analysis to ascertain energy performance using a national
approved calculation methodology. This is most likely to be the “OR”
Tool.
Issuing of a Display Energy
Certificate detailing the building’s performance rating.
Why choose us?
Cambridge Energy Efficiency Ltd aims to make the entire process as simple
as possible for the owners and managers of commercial premises. Our mission
is to deliver a professional, cost effective and trouble free service
in supplying the required certificates.
- Rapid response and short
turnaround
- One stop shop for all
energy assessment needs
- Measured CAD plans produced
where existing drawings are unavailable or out of date.
- We aim to visit all premises
to ensure accurate data is gathered for assessment as part of our
professional commitment. This phase may be bypassed only if architect’s
or similar plans are supplied with construction data together with
written confirmation of their currency with respect to the actual
building in question.
¹Buildings that are
not dwellings.
²For further details see Improving the energy efficiency of our
buildings – A guide to energy performance certificates for the
construction, sale and let of non-dwellings. Department for Communities
and Local Government, January 2008.
³SBEM has been
developed by the Building Research Establishment, Garston
Please see our Price
Guide or contact us for a full quotation.
Discounts of up
to 20% will be applicable where certified up-to-date building plans are
available. Please ask for details.
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