Commercial Energy Performance Certificate EPC Explained
As part of its strategy to implement the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the UK Government introduced Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for all commercial and other non domestic premises as of April 2008.
The commercial EPC certificate gives investors and occupiers the ability to make an accurate comparison of the energy efficiency of several commercial properties and compare the potential running costs before any purchasing or letting decisions are made.
The commercial EPC survey must be carried out by a qualified non domestic energy assessor (NDEA) who is accredited either to levels 3, 4 or 5 depending on the type of premises being surveyed. This certificate will be required upon construction, sale or lease for all non-dwellings, including retail units, office, industrial units, commercial buildings, warehouses, and supermarkets.
So what level is my building?
*Please note that this is not a definitive list and certain factors not listed my qualify your building for a different ranking.
Level 3 relates to simple existing buildings with commonly occurring characteristics that can be modeled using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM)
Typical examples of level three buildings include
- Shops
- Takeaways
- Small Restaurants
Level 4 relates to new and more complex existing buildings with substantial air conditioning systems that can be modeled using SBEM.
Typical examples of level three buildings include
- Large restaurants
- Factors
- Auto Mechanic Garages
- Offices
Level 5 relates to the most complex new and existing buildings that will need to be modeled using Dynamic Simulation models. One of the main defining factors that will place a building into the level five categories is the complexity and amount of glass in the structure.
Typical examples of level three buildings include
- Modern Libraries
- Modern Offices
- Shopping Malls
- Modern University Buildings
