Q. I run a small business in Bingham and lease an industrial unit on the Industrial Estate. I have read in the papers that all commercial properties now need to have an Energy Performance Certificate but I don’t know what these are, never mind what I’m supposed to do. Can you advise?
Richard Wollacott, Solicitor at Fraser Brown in Bingham, says,
A. You are right in that new rules came into effect on the 1st October, but don’t panic as you probably don’t need to do anything about it at all at the moment.
The new laws mean that all commercial properties must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which rates the energy efficiency of a building, giving it a score from A – G - rather like the graphs you see on fridges.
The idea behind EPCs is to encourage businesses to be more energy efficient and reduce their carbon emissions. It is also hoped they will make properties with a better rating more attractive to tenants or purchasers due to the reduced running costs. The certificates themselves cost from around £500 and measure both the basic energy performance of the building based on its design and how the building is managed and actually performs.
As a current tenant of a property you do not need to do anything, as the emphasis is on the landlord or property owner to ensure that an EPC is in place. Even then this only becomes a requirement when a property is put up for sale or rent. As an existing tenant under an existing lease the regulations would only come into play if you sublet part of your premises.
You may have a proactive landlord who may choose to get his properties assessed now to make them more attractive to prospective tenants, but this is not a legal requirement.
Fraser Brown is a dynamic law practice working at premises in Nottinghamshire through its branches in Nottingham, Radcliffe on Trent and Bingham.
Its philosophy is to deliver superior legal advice through a personal and highly professional service for both commercial and private clients. Since 1990, Fraser Brown has acquired eight established and respected local firms as part of its major growth strategy for doing business in the 21st Century.
Fraser Brown is one of the region's longest established firms of solicitors. Over the last 12 months, it has experienced significant growth in areas such as property, contract work, construction and general litigation.