The new EPC regime

Changes to the rules on energy performance certificates came into force earlier this month.

• In any building which has a total useful floor area of more than 500m² and is frequently visited by the public, the EPC it must be displayed prominently so it is clear to visiting members of the public. The EPC must be valid so there is an on-going duty for the EPC to be kept up to date – an EPC expires x years after its issue.

• EPCs will now include recommendations of cost effective works to improve the energy efficiency of the building.

• Property advertisements must include details of the EPC rating. The requirement to append the EPC to the published particulars no longer applies.

• Please note that all air conditioning equipment with an effective rated output of more than 12kw must be regularly inspected by an energy assessor at least every 5 years.

• There are new exempt buildings – protected and listed buildings (in certain circumstances); religious buildings; temporary buildings; non-residential agricultural buildings; short term occupation buildings and small standalone buildings.

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