Since October 2008, EPCs have become mandatory for commercial properties when constructed, sold or rented.
Energy Certification
If your business encompasses commercial property then you will need to comply with the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
Our buildings are responsible for almost 50% of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Even comparatively minor changes in the energy performance or the way we use each building would have a significant effect in reducing energy consumption and hence, carbon emissions.
Given the UK Government's support of the Kyoto Protocol and of its challenging targets for the reduction of carbon emissions, reducing the energy consumption attributable to buildings is a key policy objective.
The following measures are being introduced to improve the energy efficiency of buildings:
- introducing energy performance certificates for properties providing A-G efficiency ratings and recommendations for improvement
- requiring public buildings to display energy certificates
- requiring inspections for air conditioning systems
- giving advice and guidance for boiler users.
Legislation
From 1st October 2008 all properties - homes and commercial - when sold, built or rented will need an energy performance certificate (EPC). Public buildings will also need Display Energy Certificates.
This initiative is the result of European legislation - the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive - which all member states must adopt.
The phasing-in of the EPBD measures is provided below:
6 April 2008 EPCs required on construction for all dwellings.
EPC's required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings with a floor area over 10,000 m2.
1 July 2008 EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings with a floor area over 2,500 m2.
1 October 2008 EPCs required on the sale or rent of all remaining non-dwellings
EPCs required on the construction, sale or rent of all remaining buildings other than dwellings.
Display certificates required for all public buildings >1,000 m2.
4 January 2009 First inspection of all existing air-conditioning systems over 250 kW must have occurred by this date.
4 January 2011 First inspection of all remaining air-conditioning systems over 12 kW must have occurred by this date.
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