An EPC is short for Energy Performance Certificate. This gives an interpretation of a building’s existing and potential energy efficiency together with recommendations for improvement. To obtain an EPC for an existing commercial building a fully accredited Non Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) will firstly need to survey the building taking detailed dimension as well as details of the building's construction, insulation, orientation, age, glazing, lighting, use, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems and controls. From these details the building is modelled in 3D and an energy rating is calculated using standard government approved software (SBEM). The results are displayed graphically with ratings from A-G (A being the most efficient, G the worst) and a report issued alongside this with suggested ways to improve the building's efficiency. EPC's are lodged on a national Landmark Register and can be retrieved by address or using the 24 digit pin. To obtain an EPC for an existing residential dwelling a fully accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) will need to survey the building. The assessor will take note of such things as the buildings age and construction, glazing type, insulation and proportion of low energy lighting etc.. An EPC is then calculated using RDSAP software (Reduced Data SAP) and the results are diplayed graphicallywith ratings from A to G. The EPC includes suggestions for improvement and gives some indicative costs of works and potential energy savings. Likewise these are lodged on the Landmark Register and can be retrieved by address or using the 24 digit pin if known. Newer buildings are assessed differently using SAP before and after construction to give an "On Construction" EPC.

We work with builders, property developers and architects to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations. SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) is the name given to the approved calculation method to calculate a commercial building’s energy efficiency. For new buildings, extensions and conversions calculations are required at both the design and completion stages and compared to certain benchmarks to ensure the building complies with current Building Regulations Part L. As qualified Level 4 assessors we assess all the details at the design stage and provide the calculations necessary to commence work on site. The building design/costs can be optimised at this stage by modelling different element U values and building service specifications. Once in receipt of certified “As Built” documents we carry out the “As Built SBEM calculations” and produce the “On Construction EPC” and lodge the necessary documents that prove compliance with the current Building Regulations with Building Control. Because it is not necessary to visit the building to carry out this procedure we can cover projects throughout the UK.

SAP (The Standard Assessment Procedure) is the government approved methodology used to assess the performance of new dwellings. Calculations are required to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations for new dwellings and some extensions and conversions and these must be carried out by an accredited On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor. It is important that a SAP Calculation is carried out at the design stage to ensure compliance can be achieved before construction starts. A Predictive Energy Assessment (PEA) is produced at this stage for presentation to Building Control. On completion an "As Built" assessment is produced and an EPC lodged allowing Building Control to complete their sign off.

If you are selling a building or letting part of it out then with certain exceptions you will need to have a valid EPC.

The report attached to the EPC grades improvements giving rough guides as follows: Short Payback - within 3 years Medium payback - 3 to 7 years Long Payback - over 7 years Anglia EPC is able to model the effects of any improvement using the SBEM software so can study the potential effects as well as advise on possible funding options.

An EPC Certificate is valid for a period of 10 years but would need to be re-done if certain alteration work has been carried out.

Commercial buildings are graded between Level 3 and 5 and the assessor will need to be qualified and accredited to the correct level for your building. The difference between a level 3 and level 4 building is essentially the complexity of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems installed. Anglia EPC is able to assess both of these building types using SBEM. A very small percentage of buildings are Level 5. These are buildings that are more complicated (for instance have Atriums or use the building mass to help improve efficiency). This type of building needs to be assessed using DSM (Dynamic Simulation Modelling) software. We are not currently qualified to assess these buildings. Anglia EPC will advise if you have any queries related to this.

If you are building a new commercial property then you will need to have an accredited Level 4 assessor on board from the design stage to carry out SBEM Calculations. The assessor will work with the architect/ building designer to ensure that the building is constructed and signed off to comply with Building Regulations. Rather than survey the building on completion, the energy assessor will use certified 'as built' details to calculate the energy rating of the building using SBEM which forms part of the signing off process.

For commercial buildings the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came into force in March 2015 and as a result since 1st April 2018 it has not generally been legal to let or renew the lease on a building that has either an F or G energy rating. There are a few exceptions and Anglia EPC can advise.

If you find all this a bit daunting then don't worry. Anglia EPC provides a cost effective, friendly and professional service and can help guide you through the necessary legislation.

For commercial property in breach of the regulations penalties for instance are as follows: 1/ Property rented out in breach of the regulations for less than 3 months - 10% of the property's rateable value subject to a minimum of £5,000 and maximum of £50,000 2/ Property rented out in breach of the regulations for more than 3 months - 20% of the property's rateable value subject to a minimum of £10,000 and maximum of £150,000.