Have you ever been torn between buying from a Qualified Domestic Energy Assessors business that exhibits the same social ideals as yourself and another that does not? Do you ever deliberate on the social factors that fashion your decision making on this concept?

From April 2023, new legislation will come into force where it will be an offence to let a property which does not achieve a minimum 'E' efficiency standard, we look at the possible impact for landlords in England and Wales. The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is procured when a property is sold, let or refurbished. Commercial EPC assessments generally offer both level 3 and 4 certification on all building types. There are Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) that buildings must meet before they can be leased. Should your rating fall below the minimum requirements, many surveyors will be able to help guide you through the process to gain compliance with the new regulations. The requirements for the provision of an EPC with written particulars will be extended to all buildings being marketed for sale or rent, and the option to simply attach the asset rating to particulars will be removed. The requirement will only extend to the first page of the EPC (the EPC consists of two pages, accompanied by four pages of recommendations). Energy Performance Certificates were introduced in 2007 and these reports are valid for 10 years. It’s a legal requirement to have one before a property can be rented, sold or constructed. Buildings are responsible for almost 50 per cent of the UK’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. That’s almost twice that of cars and planes. Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 also known as the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) set minimum standards for EPCs for private rented properties in England and Wales.



EPC recommendations take a fabric first approach instead of assessing the building's performance as a whole, and do not consider the way the building is operated or used. As such, ratings may lead to inappropriate recommendations which could harm the character or risk deterioration of such buildings. A DEC will tell you and the public about the actual energy which was consumed by the building and give it an energy rating of between A and G (with A being the most energy efficient). The assessor will look at energy bills for the building and compare them to a benchmark set by a building which is similar in type. The UK government wants to reach net zero emissions by 2050. As part of its work, it’s looking to reduce emissions across a wide range of sectors, including property. From April 2023 new rules on energy efficiency will come into force in England and Wales which will affect anyone planning to let out or sell a commercial or residential property. Mees regulations are important for commercial property owners in Ontario. These regulations dictate the types of activities that are allowed on property, and domestic MEES exemptions are available for commercial property that is used primarily for agricultural, horticultural, or forestry purposes. The exemption applies to a building that is at least 3,000 square feet and has been used exclusively for these purposes in the past 12 months. If you qualify for the exemption, you must file an application with your local municipality and provide supporting documentation (like tax records). Make sure to research the regulations in your area to ensure you're in compliance. There are multiple approaches to facilitating a mees regulations in the workplace.

Improve The Property’s Efficiency

An EPC provides an energy efficiency rating (related to running costs) for a building based on the performance potential of the building itself (the fabric) and its services (such as heating, insulation ventilation and fuels used). Not all buildings are used in the same way, so the energy rating uses 'standard occupancy' assumptions which may be different from the way the building is used. At the moment, the government’s announcement regarding expected changes for 2025 is what landlords should be preparing for. Ensure you are meeting EPC requirements and keep an eye out for future updates and announcements in the rental sector. For rented properties, the landlord has the responsibility to arrange an EPC. If you are purchasing a house, the EPC will be provided by the property seller, whereas the developer will usually provide the EPC for a new build. This has been required by the government by law since 2008 (2009 in Scotland) and if you fail to comply you may be subject to a penalty such as a fine of £200. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows the energy current and potential energy rating of a property, known as a ‘SAP rating’. A ‘SAP’ rating stands for S tandard A ssessment P rocedure and is the governments recommended system for producing a home energy rating. As of 4th January, 2009 all commercial property for sale or let now require a commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The commercial EPC will tell you how energy efficient the commercial property is on a scale of A-G, with A being the most efficient. The certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the property has on the environment. Conducting viability appraisals with respect to mees is useful from the outset of any project.

EPC assessments are carried out by accredited domestic energy assessors (DEA). DEA’s come in all shapes and sizes. If you are selling or renting your home, your estate agent may have an energy assessor who works for them. Assessors can also be self-employed, can be employed by local councils or can work for insulation and renewable energy companies. You can use the EPC register website to find your own local DEA, or can search online or in the phonebook if you prefer. If you are having an EPC done as part of your Green Deal Assessment, your Green Deal provider will allocate an assessor to you. To help you make the right choices when it comes to energy efficiency in your commercial building, we've put together a set of tips that will guide you through the process. From understanding the new legal standard to booking an EPC and enforcement and penalties, this blog has everything you need to get started on improving your property's energy performance. In 2020, the government consulted on plans to raise the minimum EPC rating to C for all private rented homes. They've suggested a phased implementation plan that would apply to new tenancies from 2025 and all tenancies from 2028, while also increasing the high cost exemption from £3,500 to £10,000. As part of the UK government’s net-zero by 2050 pledge, under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), first introduced in 2018, it’s unlawful for landlords to grant new leases or renewals of existing ones on commercial properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) below E. From April 2018, it became unlawful to let out a property which doesn’t meet a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES). To meet this standard, rental properties must have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E or above. Maximising potential for epc commercial property isn't the same as meeting client requirements and expectations.

Increase Your Property Value

EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. This is a certification that is required when a building is constructed, sold and rented out. The purpose of the EPC is to indicate how energy efficient a building is. The energy rating is from A to G, with A being very efficient and G being least efficient. The EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance. An EPC will list different ways to improve your rating and provide indicative costs. These improvements will help not only you but also buyers and tenants save on bills. Additionally, they will help lessen the environmental impact of the property. Sellers are, by law are required show proof that they have ordered the report but don’t need to have received an EPC before marketing their property, realistically the EPC must be on all details that are used for advertising and with the agent within 28 days after the first day of marketing or you can be fined. There are several ways to make your home more energy efficient, therefore improving your EPC rating. For example, upgrading an old inefficient boiler to a condensing boiler, and fitting cavity and roof insulation can all boost your rating. Installing double glazing and ensuring you have low energy lighting throughout the property will also make a difference to your property’s EPC rating. For privately rented non-domestic properties, from 1st. April 2018, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations will affect all commercial landlords and property owners. The regulations state that any property having a new lease granted, or an existing lease renewed, must achieve an EPC rating of E or above. From April 2023, the regulations will apply to ALL leases, whether up for renewal or current. An understanding of the challenges met by commercial epc can enhance the value of a project.

Knowledge of the energy factors taken into consideration in the EPC (SBEM) calculation is useful. Energy efficiency measures termed low Hanging fruit may be carried out in anticipation of the survey. In general the factors that the EPC calculation takes into account are outlined below. Payback should be considered. From April 2023, UK landlords will not be able to grant or renew a policy for a tenant if their commercial property has an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of F or lower. Fines for continuing to let a property from April 2023 will amount to a minimum of £5,000, up to £150,000. A valid EPC will last for 10 years and can be used for multiple tenancies within that period so long as the rating is not F or G. This is because from 1st April 2018 any property let on a new tenancy or a fixed term renewal of tenancy must have a minimum EPC rating of E or higher. A new EPC should be arranged for a rental property as soon as an existing certificate expires to maintain a valid EPC at all times. Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are energy reports 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. Unlike the domestic EPCs, commercial reports start from 0, which is a very good rating going up to 150 and beyond for the worst energy performing properties. A Commercial EPC is valid for 10 years from the time when they are produced. A Commercial Property can only have one valid commercial EPC. A new Commercial EPC produced after the original simply replaces the previous. In addition, if the building is serviced by air-conditioning units (above 12kWs), they must have inspection certificates in place which are reviewed every 5 years. A team of Energy Assessors and Chartered Surveyors are uniquely placed to give advice on non domestic epc register and provide a complete energy consultancy service.

A Breakdown Of The Property’s Energy Performance.

It is clear that we can and must become greener and more efficient. To do so, we need to take a fresh approach – one in which the wider systemic value of investments and policy decisions, rather than narrow financial considerations, is central; and where the digital tools and innovations that can accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon future are incentivized and put to full use. The drive towards 100% net zero carbon buildings presents a challenging landscape. Engaging with an independent consultant to develop fully optimised, low to zero carbon solutions from the outset will ultimately save you time, money and of course energy. Soaring gas and electricity bills have intensified the cost of living crisis, with inflation hitting its highest level in more than 40 years. In the current economic climate, where energy prices are as high as they are, saving money on bills is hugely important to the British public. Loft insulation is a simple and effective way to stop heat escaping from your property and reduce your heating bills. Furthermore, loft insulation can increase the value of a property and also simplify the sales process by improving the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of the building. Yet surprisingly, over 40 per cent of surveyors questioned have said they visit properties each week that have no insulation. You can get more details on the topic of Qualified Domestic Energy Assessors in this UK Government Portal article.

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