Pub HIPs could cost £1,500
An Energy Performance Certificate could cost pubs up to £1,500.
The MA broke the news in June that from 1 October 2008, all pubs that are sold, rented or built from 2008 will have to have their own Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
The news came as a bombshell to the industry, which is largely in the dark about the commercial version of the controversial Home Improvement Packs (HIPs), a scheme which has been plagued by delays.
The pub industry will not be able to ignore either the legislation or the political force of hard choices behind itDavid MorganCookseys DMP
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive from Europe, which Britain signed up to in January 2003, could have a knock-on effect on property prices, premiums on assignment, dilapidation schedules and rent reviews - and add yet more red tape.
Pubs over 500sq m in size - the majority in Britain - will need an EPC when sold or rented after 6 April 2008. Those under 500m sq will have to comply by 1 October 2008.
Energy rating
Pubs will be rated by an independent assessor on energy efficiency from A-G or could even be marked as a failure.
The certificates will last for 10 years and include a list of cost-effective recommendations to upgrade efficiency.
Inspectors will look closely at boilers and air conditioning in particular.
A certificate for a pub is likely to cost between £1,000 and £1,500 - although the Government has warned that could increase.
Lack of inspectors
Cooksesys DMP managing director David Morgan is also concerned that there will be a lack of trained individuals able to issue an EPC.
"Regrettably there does not appear to be any urgency by Government to establish a central register of competent persons," he said.
"Also of concern is the fact that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors have not shown any inclination to establish any form of central register. Random searches of the internet appears to be the only solution at present."
He warned: "It is essential the pub industry heeds this wake-up call.
"The pub industry will not be able to ignore either the legislation or the political force of hard choices behind it."
EPC resourcesCookseys DMP has produced a Q&A resource for MA readers to download for free.Download David Morgan's EPC Resource Sheet here.Read how we first broke the news here.Read David Morgan's full view here.
