Tax & Accounting News

Energy Performance Certificates

19/02/2008

Energy performance certificates (EPCs) provide a rating for properties, reflecting their energy efficiency and carbon emissions. From 6 April 2008, all commercial properties of over 10,000 sq metres will require an EPC when offered for sale or rental; from 1 July 2008 this requirement will apply to all commercial properties of over 2,500 sq metres, and from 1 October 2008 it will apply to all commercial properties offered for sale or rental.

There are only a few exceptions for commercial properties:

• Stand-alone properties of less than 50 sq metres
• Temporary buildings with a planned life of less than two years
• Industrial premises with low energy use where the space is mostly not heated or cooled
• Buildings that are due to be demolished within two years

Quite apart from the statutory requirement, it is likely that the energy efficiency of properties will become an increasingly important factor in future, with poor-performing buildings becoming less attractive to prospective purchasers. Minimum EPC ratings may also be introduced as part of Corporate Social Responsibility policies, so it will be in the interests of property owners to improve efficiency and obtain an EPC.

Please contact us if you wish to discuss this – we have links with an organisation that can carry out assessments for the purposes of EPCs, or advise on the matter generally.

 

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