Energy Performance Certificates - Mandatory as of today

Alex Matthias, Energy Management Leader, RSA said:

"The broadening of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive today means that energy performance certificates are now essential for all UK commercial buildings when they are sold or leased.

As a provider of these certificates, we are encouraging businesses to take responsibility for ensuring compliance with this legislation - not only to avoid any unnecessary fines, but also to contribute to meeting the UK's energy efficiency / carbon emissions reductions targets.

Energy Performance Certificates in many cases can lead to significant cost benefits as they can highlight where savings can be made.

For example, we had a case where the owner of a 7000 msq building carried out a full energy audit of its air conditioning unit after completion of an energy performance certificate which highlighted the air conditioning unit was inefficient.

The cost to improve the air conditioning unit was ?31,900, which would result in a saving of ?27,000 per year and an annual reduction of 126,700 KG CO2.

" We offer the following advice to those businesses that are unsure about the steps they need to take to ensure compliance: 1.

Make sure you are aware which of your properties will be subject to the new legislation.

From today EPCs are required whenever a building is built, sold or rented out.

2.

Formulate a strategy.

Review which buildings you are going to sell, modify or re-lease over the next twelve months and prioritise.

3.

There may be a limited number of accredited companies that can provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and demand is likely to exceed supply.

Talk to your insurance broker or property management company to find out who will be able to provide these certificates.

4.

Budget for compliance costs and any potential improvements to your assets as a result of your energy grade.

A low energy grade could be used as a bargaining tool to reduce rent or building values.

5.

To save cost and time, collate the information needed to complete an EPC.

It requires details such as: building size total usable floor area your building asset register an up-to-date Operation and Maintenance manual/log book for your building.

6.Review your lease agreements.

Make sure they are up to modern standards as advised by the British Property Federation.

7.

Make sure your property valuations are up-to-date.

8.

If you are required to produce a Display Energy Certificate make sure you have the last 12 months' utility bills available, preferably in electronic format.

9.

It is the user/operator's responsibility to make sure the energy assessment of air conditioning audits is carried out.

Understand the size of your units and engage with a competent person to complete the inspection.

10.

Go to www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/theenvironment/energyperformance/frequentlyaskedquestions/.

http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/epc to see your full responsibilities as landlord or tenant with regard to the Energy Performance Certificate legislation.

Alternatively, please visit http://www.rsabroker.com/energy/index.html for more information.

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