EPC Explained



Non Domestic EPC Energy Performance Certificates Explained


Why do I need to consider ND EPC?

From April 2018, any commercial building made available for rent must have an EPC rating of Band E or above. If the banding is an F or G, the building must be improved to an E or above before it may be let.

Since 1st October 2008, all non-domestic buildings on construction, sale and rent required a Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate (NDEPC) and a Recommendation Report (RR). This information is provided to help owners and occupiers make their building more energy efficient and allow potential buyers and tenants to compare the energy performance of different buildings.

All larger public buildings required an annual Display Energy Certificate (DEC) highlighting their energy performance. This certificate is to be displayed prominently in a place visible to the public.

These buildings also require a DEC Recommendation Report (DEC-RR) providing recommendations for energy improvements every seven years.


What is ND EPC and how does the score work?

A section of your NDEPC will be dedicated to how energy efficient your property is. It’s graded from A to G, with A meaning an energy efficient, well-insulated, and the lighting is good, probably a more modern building, and grade G meaning it could be improved.

There will also be a number from 1 – 100, where a higher number signifies that the property is more efficient and the fuel bills will cost less.


How can I benefit from an ND EPC?

NDEPC are produced from SBEM calculations and are accompanied by a report, which provides recommendations on how the energy performance of the building may be improved, including an indication of payback periods. This information will help owners and occupiers make their building more energy efficient and allow potential buyers and tenants to compare the energy performance of different buildings. You could dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your buildings running costs by updating to more efficient, energy-saving technology.


How much is an ND EPC Certificate? 

It costs from £95 to get your property on the EPC register. Since costs vary, it is worth shopping around and comparing a few different quote — as long as you are sure your assessor is registered.


How long is the NDEPC Valid?

An EPC is valid for up to 10 years, unless a newer EPC is produced for the property, in which case only the latter is valid.


What happens if I don’t have an EPC?

The penalty for failing to make an EPC available to any prospective buyer or tenant when selling or letting non-dwellings is fixed, in most cases, at 12.5% of the rateable value of the building, subject to a minimum penalty of £500 and a maximum of £5,000. There is a default penalty of £750 where the formula cannot be applied. The EPC will still be required.


Who can carry out an NDEPC assessment?

An accredited commercial, Non-Domestic energy assessor will need to issue you with your ND EPC certificate.


You can also visit the NDEPC Register for recommendations or to find a Non-Domestic Energy Assessor:

https://www.ndepcregister.com



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