Energy Performance Certificates - Non-domestic buildings

From the 1st of October 2008, sellers and landlords will be required by law to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for ALL buildings or parts of buildings when they are sold or rented. Those carrying out the construction of a building will be required to provide an EPC to the owner.

An Energy Performance Certificate gives prospective buyers or tenants information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building.

06.04.08
The certificate was phased in from 6 April 2008 when buildings sold, rented or built with a total floor area of more than 10,000sq m will require one.

01.07.08
From 1 July 2008, this was extended to smaller buildings with a total floor area greater than 2,500sq m.

01.10.08
From 1 October 2008 all remaining commercial buildings will require an EPC on sale or rental or upon construction.

An EPC should be provided to a prospective buyer or tenant at the earliest opportunity and no later than when a viewing is conducted or when written information is provided about the building or in any event before entering into a contract to sell or let.
Property sellers or landlords are responsible for ensuring there is an EPC available for the accommodation being sold or let, even if an agent or another service-organisation is acting on your behalf.

Whilst a building is constructed, it is the responsibility of the person carrying out the construction to give an EPC and recommendations report to the owner of the building and to notify Building Control that this has been done, on physical completion of the work.

The Energy Performance Certificate looks similar to the certificates now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. It tells potential buyers and tenants about the energy performance of a building so they can consider energy efficiency as part of their investment or business decision to buy or occupy that building.

All EPC's come with a recommendation report, which includes advice and suggestions on improvements you could make to save money and energy.

An EPC for a commercial building is valid for 10 years, or until a newer EPC is prepared. During this period the EPC may be available to buyers or new tenants.

By using Websters Insulation to insulate your property, you can be assured that the most effective insulation known today is being applied to vastly increase the energy conservation of the property as a whole, helping to reduce carbon emissions and go a long way to obtaining the EPC. Our product achieves exceptional U Values with as little as 100mm thickness applied. See our building regulations page for more details.