What you need to know as a commercial owner or manager

It is important that those organisations that require EPCs understand the implications of the legislation and be ready to commission EPCs within the required timescale.

There are two types of energy certificate required for new and existing commercial buildings as follows:
  • EPCs will be required on the construction, sale or lease of buildings with a floor area in excess of 10,000 sqm by 6 April 2008
  • EPCs will be required on the construction, sale or rent of buildings with a floor area in excess of 2,500 sqm by 1 July 2008, and all buildings by October 2008. This includes all commercial property, ranging from high street retail and offices to airports, shopping centres, offices and warehouses
  • DECs will be required for public buildings over 1,000 sqm from 1 October 2008
An EPC must be made available to a prospective purchaser or tenant before entering a contract for sale or lease, but no later than the release of marketing material or the request for a visit to the property.

For commercial lettings, an EPC is only required for a newly let property. There is no need to obtain an EPC for an existing tenancy. If a valid EPC still exists when changing tenants, no new certificate is required. As with domestic EPCs, the certificate will have to include an energy rating ranging from A to G, as well as advice on how to make cost effective improvements to the building to make it more energy efficient.