COMMERCIAL epc
(non domestic)

Commercial properties and public buildings currently account for nearly 25% of the UK's carbon emissions, contributing to global climate change.

The way in which we light, heat and use buildings all contribute to this. Even small improvements to the energy performance and the way we use our buildings could have a significant effect on our fuel bills and carbon emissions.

Energy Performance Certificates are being introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of all buildings. By October 2008 all buildings - homes, commercial and public - must have one whenever the building is sold, built or rented.

EPC’s form part of a programme of work that will make a difference to the 50% carbon emissions from buildings. Other changes include requiring Display Energy Certificates for public buildings and from January 2009 inspections for air conditioning systems will be introduced.

 

PART L & SBEM CALCULATIONS

 

SBEM (Simplified building energy model) is the approved calculation method used to provide analysis of a commercial building's energy consumption and CO2 emissions rate.  SBEM calculations are required to ensure compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.

 

Using sophisticated modelling software, we are able to undertake SBEM calculations for new buildings, as well as conversions and extensions of commercial properties.

 

As approved assessors, our documentation can submitted directly to Building Control to ensure full building regulation approval.

Energy Performance Certificate (public and commercial buildings)

Since 2008 all commercial properties built, rented and sold require by law an Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

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.

An EPC 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.

Convert Surveyors are Accredited Non Domestic Energy Assessors.