Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s)

An EPC grades the energy performance of a building on a sliding scale from (A) very efficient to (G) least efficient and provides suggestions as to how energy efficiency could be improved. Certificates must be made available by the seller or landlord to a prospective buyer or tenant without charge and will be valid for 10 years unless a new EPC is commissioned in the meantime.

It is thought that in the not too distant future, EPC ratings will be a factor in the negotiation of a purchase price or rent, with more energy efficient buildings attracting a higher price/rent, thereby giving owners of commercial properties an incentive to make their buildings more energy efficient now. There is also a possibility that the ‘suggestions’ on how to improve the energy efficiency of a building may become ‘requirements’ in the future.

For properties being let, an EPC is only required on a new letting where there is no current EPC and is not required on renewing a lease to an existing tenant.

KBL works with specialist energy assessors who prepare EPC’s and prices vary depending on the age and style of a property. If you are under a duty to provide an EPC and you fail to do so, you could find yourself subjected to a substantial fine. If you require an EPC please contact our commercial property department for a quotation.

For more information please refer to http://epc.direct.gov.uk/index.html.