Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (CEPC) are energy surveys that determine how energy efficient a building or commercial premises is. The ratings on a commercial EPC start from G (least energy efficient), going up to an A for the most energy efficient building possible.
As a commercial (non domestic) property owner, if you intend to sell or let the building, you are required to have a valid CEPC, which must be made available/issued to the new landlord/tenant. The objective, requirement and purpose to obtain a CEPC is similar to a domestic dwelling and rates how energy efficient your commercial building is by using grades from A to G (with ‘A’ the most efficient) it should enable the new owner/occupant to consider the energy efficiency as part of their investment decision to buy or occupy the building. You must also have an CEPC if a building under construction is finished, a commercial building is changed in any way that gives it more or fewer sections and those sections are for separate use and heated, air conditioned or mechanically ventilated.
Commercial properties vary substantially in size, and the equipment which is used to heat and cool them. To ensure that this issue can be accommodated properties were assigned levels of complexity according to building fabric and the heating and cooling systems installed. The CEPC’s for both level 3 & 4 are produced by SBEM methodology, which is the standard adopted by the government. Level 5 buildings use DSM methodology to produce the CEPC.
The legislation introducing these regulations was phased in commencing 2008, and became truly effective from January 2009. The relevant regulations are contained in the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates & Inspections) (England & Wales) Regulations 2007 SI 2007/991 and SI 2007/1669.
It is important to note that it is an offence not to comply with these arrangements and could lead to a civil penalty charge notice being issued.
Level 3 buildings (70-80% of building stock)
These would include simple heating systems (including low temperature hot water plant) and split system cooling.
Level 4 buildings (15-20% of building stock)
These would include more complex heating systems ( high temperature hot water) and air handling systems operated by central plant.
Level 5 buildings (less than 10% of building stock)
Typical large city centre blocks whose structures could include atrium areas and automatic blind controls.
A1 Home Inspectors will be happy to assist with your enquiry on 01934 644062 or through the ‘Contact us’ page, we will then be able to speak with our fully qualified and accredited assessor, who is qualified to assess building levels 3 & 4. It is vitally important that the building criteria is known prior to an assessment being undertaken to avoid invalidity and disappointment and to ensure that we are able to provide you with a competitive quote.