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:
[email protected]
