Smaller operators behind on EPCs

While bigger pubcos have got to grips with energy performance certificates, smaller operators haven't quite caught up — that's according to experts five months after the certificates became compulsory.

Andrew Whelan, managing director of EPCfor-

Property, said the certificates were becoming more accepted among licensees, but added: "There still seems to be a number of solicitors and agents that aren't requesting them.

"Most people know they need them, but I am still aware that they are not being provided for some commercial properties, and until Trading Standards begins

to enforce the requirement for them I expect this to continue.

"The other issue is that legislation states that EPCs are required when marketing commences and for distressed sales and properties that are in receivership, this isn't happening. In order to keep costs down they aren't requesting EPCs until the deal is agreed.

"I think buyers and sellers still see them as another piece of bureaucracy rather than a tool that can be used to improve the energy efficiency of a building."

Steve Daniels, of Bes Consulting, which carries out EPCs for several pubcos, said: "Big pub chains are absolutely on top of their EPC requirements, though smaller owner occupiers are not interested in having them carried out unless they have a sale secured."

He also said that the initial backlog — which occurred when the larger pubcos had to have all their properties on the market evaluated at once — has now been cleared and his firm is working on new pubs that come on

the market.

The certificates, which rate a building's energy efficiency, became compulsory on 4 January. Sellers risk penalties of up to £5,000 for failing to provide one to a prospective buyer.