Commercial Energy Assessments It is now a requirement that commercial premises need a Energy Performance Certificate if they are sold, or if a lease is granted or assigned. (Unless they are very small isolated buildings) Public buildings require a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). Q: When do I need an EPC? A: When you start marketing for sale the leasehold or freehold of your commercial premises, or when you assign or grant a commercial lease. Q: Who has to get an EPC? A: The legal obligation is on the landlord or owner of the freehold. However, if you are a tenant who needs your landlord's consent to an assignment of lease the chances are, your landlord is likely to pass the cost onto you. Q:What is the difference between a Residential EPC and a Commercial EPC? A: There is a great deal of difference between a residential EPC and a commercial EPC. With a domestic EPC the assessor uses a RdSAP to assess the subject property. A simple domestic survey can normally be completed within an hour to and hour and a half. Commercial Buildings are assessed using the SBEM formula. As indicated in a previous article, an SBEM calculation involves a complete measurement survey and zoning of the building, assessing the U values of major elements of the building including, floors walls, roofs, windows, doors, assessing the energy efficiency of the lighting , heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. A commercial energy assessment may require just one assessor but big buildings may need a whole team. Q: How much does a commercial EPC cost? A This is subject to negotiation with the energy assessor There are no set scales of charges. Q: What happens if I don't get an EPC? A: Fines range from £500.00 to £5000.00. Trading Standards can keep fining a law breaker until they get an EPC. Also - The solicitors acting for a purchaser will object if an EPC is not provided because the agreement does not comply with the law. Andrew Williams FRICS FCIOB Dip HI Andrew R Williams & Associates Ltd, Chartered Quantity Surveyors / Commercial and Domestic Energy Assessors First Floor, HSL Buildings, 437, Warrington Road, Rainhill L35 4LL Tel 0151 426 9660 Mob:07940 875076 http:/www.andrewrwilliams.co.uk email: andrew@andrewrwilliams.co.uk
Andrew R Williams & Associates Ltd are Independent Chartered Surveyors and have been established since 1979 providing a full range of surveying services to the Commercial and Residential Sectors.…
