Third of non-domestic properties given low EPC rating

13-May-2014 - Last updated on 14-May-2014 at 08:09 GMT

Only 9% of non-doms received an A+, A or B rating last year

A third of non-domestic properties that had an energy performance certificate (EPC) lodged last year were given a poor rating of E or lower, according to a new Government report on the energy performance of building certificates.

Statistics show that, out of the c.80,000 non-domestic properties lodged on the EPC register in 2013, 33% (c.26,500) were given a rating of E, F or G, while 9% (7,300) were rated A+, A or B, and 57% (45,500) were given either C or D.

'Concerning'

EPCforProperty director Andrew Whelan said energy performance was an issue that was concerning estate managers and property investors as the Energy Act 2011 stated that it would be unlawful to rent out a residential or business property that did not reach an E rating from 2018.

He said that research from EPCforProperty, which supplies EPCs for all commercial properties and has expertise in hospitality and leisure, indicates that 18% of all commercial buildings have an F or G rating but most pubs with energy-efficient lighting and modern heating systems usually net C, D or E ratings.

However, if a building has an old heating system or uses an extensive heating and cooling system with air handling units, he said it was likely to have a “very poor” rating.

“As such, nightclub operators, and operators of big city-centre pubs and restaurants are very concerned,” he said.

Warnings

He said it was worth bearing in mind the age of EPCs, which were introduced for commercial properties in 2009 and are valid for 10 years unless superseded by a new one; their accuracy, as many had been procured on a “lowest-cost basis”; and new “tougher” building regulations, which may lower a property’s rating.

EPCforProperty has introduced an energy asset management report to help clients deal with poorly rated properties.