About Commercial EPCs
Many Commercial Buildings in the UK require an Energy Performance Certificate when it is constructed, sold or let.
This EPC is displayed in a similar way to that of a domestic property, with the energy rating shown on an A-G scale. As with a domestic EPC, a commercial EPC is valid for 10 years.
When is a Commercial EPC required?
As soon as a building is in the process of being offered for sale or rent, it is the responsibility of the seller or landlord (i.e. the relevant person) to make available free of charge an EPC to any prospective buyer or tenant. The EPC must be provided by the seller or landlord at the earliest opportunity. Before a building is put on the market the seller or landlord must commission an EPC for the building.
Are there any exemptions to having a Commercial EPC?
EPCs are not required on sale or rent for buildings due to be demolished, provided the seller or landlord can demonstrate that:
• the building is to be sold or rented out with vacant possession
• the building is suitable for demolition and the resulting site is suitable for redevelopment
• all relevant planning permissions, listed building consents and conservation area consents exist in relation to the demolition, and they believe, on reasonable grounds, that a prospective buyer or tenant intends to demolish the building (e.g. on evidence of an application for planning permission)
A Non-Domestic Energy Assessor can confirm if your building falls under an exemption
What are the penalties for not having an EPC?
The penalty for failing to make an EPC available to any prospective buyer or tenant when selling or renting a non-domestic dwelling is fixed, in most cases, at 12.5 per cent of the rateable value of the building, with a default penalty of £750 where the formula cannot be applied. The range of penalties under this formula are set with a minimum of £500 and capped at a maximum of £5,000!
Obtaining a Commercial EPC
At Mane Services we can carry out both Commercial & Domestic EPC’s. This service will include an extensive look into how your current systems operate.
Our engineers can provide you with the information that will allow you to identify where and how you can save on costs going forward. If in doubt about any information you receive our engineers and team behind the scenes are on hand for expert advice and interpretation on the findings you have received.
If you have been concerned or in doubt of how you can improve your running costs, then make the time to call us today. Mane Services can guide you on how to improve your energy usage for your home or commercial business.