David Hookins and Maria Guida consider the impact of energy performance certificates
The EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has been in place since 6 April 2008 via Statutory Instrument 2007 No 991. This means that property owners now need to provide an energy performance certificate (EPC) when they construct, sell or lease a commercial building. Introducing this legislation to the marketplace has been controlled by staggering the requirement based on buildings' floor areas.
An EPC provides an energy rating for a building based on the performance of the structure and its existing services. The rating is in relation to how that building should perform in comparison with similar building stock.
An accompanying document is issued with the EPC recommending cost-effective energy improvements which, if implemented could enhance the energy performance of the building. The property owner has no duty to act on the recommendations, but the EU is currently drafting the “EPBD 2” and there is a strong possibility that in the future it will become a legal obligation for owners to comply with the recommendations.
