Energy Performance Certificates

The Energy Performance of Buildings directive requires EU member states to ensure that Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are made available to prospective purchasers or tenants of commercial buildings when they are brought to the market for sale or to rent.

This is important legislation that will affect many developers, investors and occupiers and after 1st October 2008 will affect all commercial buildings over 50 sq.m. At the moment an EPC is only required for buildings with a floor area greater than 2,500 sq.m.

The introduction of EPC has far reaching implications and it might be that in the future occupiers will be prevented from taking leases on or buying less efficient buildings due to restrictions imposed by their governing bodies or by their corporate social responsibilities. The introduction of a “carbon tax” on commercial buildings in the future is now a step closer.

In reaction to this important legislation, Stupples has set up a new division called Energy Performance Certificates for Commercial Buildings. Wes Edwards, an experienced Facilities Manager, will head the division and is currently undertaking the intensive training programme to achieve accreditation as a Level 4 Energy Assessor, allowing him to undertake and complete the certification process.