EPCs for Commercial Property - Are You Ready?

The Government's quest for better information on the energy efficiency of buildings has led to the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for commercial as well as residential property (where they constitute part of the Home Information Pack). EPCs tell owners and potential buyers and tenants about the energy efficiency of a property and how it can be improved.

The introduction of the requirement for EPCs for the construction, sale and let of commercial buildings has been staged. Since 6 April 2008, EPCs have been required for commercial buildings over 10,000 square metres. On 1 July 2008, the requirement was extended to commercial buildings over 2,500 square metres. From 1 October, EPCs will be required for the construction, sale and let of all commercial buildings.

The EPC must be made available as soon as the property is offered for sale or lease. The responsibility for obtaining the EPC when a property is being sublet is on the lessor, not the owner of the building. Where the unit being let is part of a larger building, this may make reaching an agreement with the owner/head landlord necessary.

The EPC must be provided free of charge to the prospective buyer or tenant and it can only be prepared by an accredited energy assessor.

Failure to comply can lead to a substantial fine. 

View guidance on EPCs on commercial properties.