One of the many problems facing the UK is the fact that as a nation, we have ignored insulation, boiler efficiency and clapped out power stations for years. The net result is that the country as a whole and most buildings have a massive carbon footprint. This waste of energy and the excessive CO2 emissions that it creates is affecting the environment.

EPCs help to reduce carbon emissions

To reduce waste and excessive carbon emissions, Europe has required its member states to combat the problem.

In the UK, as of the 1st January 2009 a Commercial EPC will be required for most non domestic buildings being offered for sale or rent. This Commercial EPC must be made available to potential buyers or tenants. Failure to comply with this regulation can lead to maximum fine of £5000.

How is the Commercial EPC produced?

An energy assessor will make a detailed inspection of your building. During this assessment, information will be collected which includes dimensions, notes on the construction and fabric of the building and any mechanical and electrical services operating within it.

These services are basically the lighting, heating, hot water provision, ventilation and air conditioning of a building.

These services are all consumers of energy.

Once the basic data has been collected, it is then and prepared for input into SBEM software. (Simplified Building Energy Model)

The software then calculates the building’s overall energy efficiency rating and generates a Commercial EPC along with an advisory report recommending ways on improving the rating obtained.

Where requested by the client, these recommendations are then reviewed and further interpreted by the assessor who can also provide you with an additional report explaining, in greater detail the recommendations in the advisory report.

NB All EPCs are lodged onto the national register  Andrew R Williams & Associates Ltd