Since 1 October 2008 commercial (non-domestic) properties over 50sqm  are required to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when sold or leased. This legal requirement has been introduced in the UK under a European Directive.

A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is intended to inform potential buyers or tenants about the energy performance of a building. Considering energy efficiency should be an important factor influencing decisions on whether to buy or rent a particular property. The energy rating on certificates reflects the inherent energy performance of the building and compares it to both a typical stock building (dated 1995) and a virtual building that is similar in size and construction. For benchmarking purposes, it is accompanied by a comparable EPC rating with an easy-to-understand graph.

Energy rating a building is a complex calculation that is based on a combination of factors such as:

• the type of construction of the building (including walls, roofs, floors and glazing)
• whether parts (zones) of the building are used for different purposes (office, factory, WC etc) and the occupancy profile for each zone
• heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water systems used
• lighting

The energy performance of a non-dwelling building is shown as a CO2 based index. The CO2 rating a building receives depends on the energy used for space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting, less any energy generated from energy generation technology installed in the building (such as solar water heating). The lower the number (on a scale of 0 - 150+), the lower the typical CO2 emissions.

We at Energy Wizardry use cutting edge technology (including SBEM software) to assess the energy demands of each individual space in the building in accordance with the activity conducted within that space. The activities can result in different periods of occupancy and different required temperatures, as well as varying requirements for lighting and hot water supply. The energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are calculated by considering these demands in relation to the building services.

The assessors at Energy Wizardry are qualified and accredited NDEA's (Non-Domestic Energy Assessors) with a solid background in the property industry.  Offering fast, professional service at market related rates.  Click here for a no-obligation quote.