New EPC rules for commercial buildings hold ‘significant implications’

The updated legislation concerning Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which provide an A-G ranking of a building's energy efficiency, will see commercial buildings being subject to more scrutiny over energy performance, says DTZs Paul Brown.


The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) issued an update to the legislation on 9 January at which point commercial property occupiers and landlords became liable for a number of requirements.

Property advertisements must now include details of the EPC rating where available, which means that all sales or lettings advertisements in the commercial media should show the EPC rating of the property being advertised.

In addition, an EPC must be displayed in commercial premises larger than 500m² that are ‘frequently’ visited by the public where an EPC has previously been issued on the sale, rent or construction of that building.

However, this change in legislation could catch out businesses who are unclear on the specific requirements.

DTZ’s head of sustainability, Brown, said: “Further clarity is being sought on the exact requirements as this may mean that occupiers of relevant property over 500 square metres would need to search the EPC register to see if an EPC exists for their property and display it.

“Additional confusion comes from the lack of clarity around who exactly is responsible for these duties or what the penalty is for breach.

Read more about the recent update to EPC legislation here

Leigh Stringer

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