For many buildings that are constructed and are set to be bought or rented should have an energy performance Certificate which is commonly referred as EPC. An energy performance survey is used to point out the means that you can use in order to minimize energy bills. An EPC is a document that provides an energy rating for a given building. This rating is found by calculating from most efficient to the least efficient energy performance. This can be done through SBEM Calculations – (Simplified Building Energy Model).
An EPC can be used as a guide on the building’s impact to the environmental. An energy performance certificate that is provided for the existing property help to show the proposed ways for minimizing the use of fuel while increasing its efficiency. Continue reading to understand the necessary information about the energy performance certificates and more about the assessment specialists.
Types of energy performance certificates
The first category of the EPCs includes non-domestic and commercial EPCs. If fact, Commercial ones are required in all buildings that are used for commercial purposes. Therefore, you should approach an accredited company to offer you a non-domestic building EPC.
The other one is known as domestic or residential EPCs. The residential certificates are required in the already existing buildings. Buildings under this particular category can be owner-occupied or occupied by a tenant.
The other category is On-construction energy certification. Its assessment is actually required for the new buildings that are constructed for residency. The assessment that is carried helps to determine the performance of the building.
Instance that you require an EPC
The certificate can be needed when you are building a new property, when you are about to sell your property or whenever a tenant rents your property. Some situations like the green deal finance can also press you to apply for an energy performance certificate. There are other circumstances under which your building can get an exemption from having an EPC. This can be well discussed if you approach an accredited energy assessment specialist within your locality.
Places where an EPC is not necessary
Some of the areas that are exempted from this requirement include all buildings that are used for worship, temporary structures which are supposed to be in use for at most two years and stand-alone buildings. These stand alone structures should be an area of fifty meters square of a useful floor and should not offer a dwelling accommodation to anybody. Other places that are not obligated to generate the certificate include industrial sites, non-agricultural properties, and workshops which do not utilize a large amount of energy.
Period of validity
Mostly an energy performance certificate is supposed to be valid for a period of ten years. In some circumstances, an EPC can be provided while it is updated. Reassessment is always required for those building that is significantly altered. In situations where a recommendation for improvement is granted, reassessment is required.
Legal requirement
Some states have this as a legal requirement which is stated and involves action Plans on commercial buildings. It requires an accredited and qualified assessor to carry out a survey on building and generate an EPC. The entire process requires the inspection of the property followed by a discussion before the action plan is published. The publication includes the recommendations concerning utilization of the energy.…
