Energy Performance Certificate
Commercial
Stimson & Tieken Chartered Surveyors are accreditted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to undertake Level 3 & 4 Energy Performance Certificates on commercial buildings. Level 3 & 4 covers most buildings within the South West of England with only very large and complex buildings meeting a level 5 criteria.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced in phases for all buildings, starting in April 2007 with large commercial buildings. By October 2008 all commercial buildings whenever built, rented or sold required one.
The certificate records how energy efficient a property is as a building and provides A-G ratings. These are similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
They are produced using standard methods and assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type. This allows prospective buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers and purchasers to see information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions from their building so they can consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of their investment.
It is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures (such as low and zero carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating. A rating is also given showing what could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
The certificate is important because nearly 50 per cent of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions arise from the way our buildings are lit, heated and used. Even comparatively minor changes in energy performance and the way we use each building will have a significant effect in reducing energy consumption.
Residential
After 1st June 2007 Energy Performance Certificates were a compulsory element of the Home Information Pack required by everyone selling their property.
The EU found that small increases to the energy efficiency in the millions of properties across Europe will result in a significant overall reduction in energy usage.
The Energy Assessor will record the key information that affects the energy efficiency of a property. For example, the depth of insulation in the roof will be measured as will the efficiency of the boiler. All this data is entered into a computer program that calculates the energy efficiency and produces a result on an easy to read scale.
The energy report also includes energy saving measures that can be taken to reduce household energy bills. These include general recommendations on improving the energy efficiency and environmental impact for the property. The proposed measures are recommendations only and a guide price to the possible savings is also given.
The overall efficiency is shown on a colour bar chart similar to that seen above. The average rating of a new build property is also shown as comparison and the potential rating if the recommended measures are implemented can also be seen.
Stimson & Tieken offer an efficient, professional and competitive service. Our inspectors are RICS members, ABBE accredited and RDSAP certified through Elmhurst Energy.
For energy performance certificates in Cornwall, contact us on 01736 788880 or info@stimsontieken.co.uk
01736 788880 or 01326 250901 