Sustainability and building compliance expert. Specialising in low energy design, SAP, SBEM, BREEAM, and air testing for the construction industry,
Andrew Sadler
April 26, 2018
Having been requested to undertake a commercial EPC for a run down warehouse building this afternoon it brought to mind the question
When is a commercial building exempt from needing and EPC?
At Buildpass HQ we thought it a great opportunity to investigate further.
Commercial EPC Requirements
The requirement for non-dwellings to have an EPC has been phased in since April 2008. If you are selling or leasing a commercial property then under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 you’re are legally required to provide an EPC free of charge to the prospective buyer or tenant.
An EPC is only required when a building is constructed, sold or rented. For a building to require an Energy Performance Certificate is must have a roof, walls and use energy to energy to condition the indoor climate. It should therefore have fixed space heating , ventilation and / or cooling. The installation of hot water and electric lighting does not mean that and EPC will be required.
As of the 1st April 2018 it will be unlawful to grant new tenancies or leases on commercial properties with an EPC rating of F or G. We will discuss the implication of these new rule in a future post.
Commercial EPC Exemptions
You don’t need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if you can demonstrate that the building is any of these:
- listed or officially protected and the minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter it
- a temporary building only going to be used for 2 years or less
- used as a place of worship or for other religious activities
- an industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that doesn’t use much energy
- a detached building with a total floor space under 50 square metres
- due to be demolished by the seller or landlord and they have all the relevant planning and conservation consents
Vacant buildings and demolition
A building is also exempt if all of the following are true:
- it’s due to be sold or rented out with vacant possession
- it’s suitable for demolition and the site could be redeveloped
- the buyer or tenant has applied for planning permission to demolish it
Further guidance can be found by viewing the the governments guidance on Energy Performance Certificate for the construction, sale and let of non-dwellings.
To find out how we can assist with your energy performance certificate.
