EPCs extend to business properties above 10,000sq metres

Energy Performance Certificates are now required for the construction, sale or rent of commercial properties with a floor area of more than 10,000sq metres.

The changes, effective from 6th April, place new responsibilities on anyone constructing a new building or selling or renting out an existing property.

When a new building is completed, the person responsible for the construction will need to obtain a certificate and provide it to the owner. This is obligatory under Building Regulations. The same thing applies if a building is converted into more or fewer units and there are changes to the heating and hot water provision or to the air conditioning system.

When selling an existing building, the owner will have to provide a certificate for all prospective buyers. Landlords will have to do the same for prospective tenants of commercial properties.

However, there is no need to provide a certificate for an existing tenancy; only for a new one. Commercial property certificates are valid for 10 years and if they are still in date when a tenancy changes there is no need to obtain a new one.

The certificates have to be provided by energy assessors who are accredited and registered with a government approved scheme.