TRADING STANDARDS EPC AUDIT

There is a statutory requirement under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2007 that all commercial property, save for one or two minor exemptions, are required to have a Commercial Energy Performance Certificate carried out by a qualified accredited energy assessor before marketing of the property can commence. Cornwall Trading Standards have notified surveyors that they are aware of a significant non compliance with the Regulations with a large number of Commercial properties of various descriptions being marketed in the County which do not have an EPC.

Trading Standards Officers will be carrying out an audit of available Commercial property in the near future and it is the vendor, owner or Landlord of the property who is liable to a fine which is based on the rateable value of the property but has a minimum level of £500.

Jeff Townsend, the Company’s accredited non-domestic energy assessor, said ‘whilst some vendors resist at first in meeting the necessary cost of preparing an EPC it is a statutory requirement. Many purchasers and tenants are now concerned about the energy performance and energy costs of a property and what adjustments can be made to the heating and ventilation systems and the building, itself to improve its energy efficiency. We are able to produce Commercial Certificates efficiently and speedily for any type of Commercial property in the County as well as advising specifically as to whether an EPC is needed’.

NAS/HC 26th October 2009