Energy Performance Certificates
Almost all buildings require an EPC certificate on construction, sale or rent. These certificates aim to give the prospective buyer or tenant an indication of the energy efficiency of the building; they also provide recommendations on how it might be improved. Rated from “A” to “G” an “A” rating building will have lower energy consumption and carbon emissions than a “G”. Active Energy are accredited and licensed by the Dept of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to provide Energy Performance Certificates for all types of domestic and commercial property and provide advice on low carbon improvement solutions.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
From the 1st April 2018, the minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) will apply to landlords and property owners upon the granting of a lease to a new tenant and lease renewals to existing tenants, unless exemptions apply.
It will be unlawful to grant new leases on residential or commercial property with energy ratings of “F” or “G”, the lowest ratings and some significant penalties are proposed for non-compliance.
In order to comply, all properties must meet the minimum energy efficiency standard by undertaking permissible, appropriate and cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to meet the minimum EPC rating of “E” or above.
The implications of MEES for property owners include:
- Making it impossible to market some properties unless they are upgraded.
- The valuation of such properties will be affected – with implications for secured lending.
- Rent reviews on ‘F’ and ‘G’ rated properties will be affected.
- There may also be implications for dilapidations assessments.
Active Energy Assessors work closely with clients to survey, assess and report on EPC ratings and provide realistic improvement strategies for residential and commercial property. Draft EPCs are prepared with recommendations to achieve minimum “E” ratings, improvements can then be made before final EPCs are registered on the Government database.