Energy Performance Certificates for Commercial Buildings
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are now required for all commercial buildings whenever built, rented or sold. An EPC certificate records how energy efficient a property is, as a building and provides a report based on A-G ratings, A being the highest and G being the lowest.
At Electrical Estimates we can offer out clients a Level 3 - Commercial certificate, which relates to a simple existing building with commonly occurring characteristics that can be modelled using the simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM). Level 3 Buildings are defined within the National Occupational Standards as having the following ‘frequently occurring characteristics’ - Simple heating systems (boiler systems <100kw), Simple natural ventilation, Typical fabric - i.e. standard ‘domestic’ or simple ‘low rise’ construction, Typical lighting – tungsten, fluorescent tubes or CFL, Simple heating systems (boiler systems <100kw), Small comfort cooling systems (up to 12kw).
The above definition means that a large percentage of all commercial buildings will fall under “level 3 buildings” and includes most ‘High Street’ type shops and small offices, Units etc.
The energy performance rating is defined by using standard methods and assumptions about energy usage, so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type. This allows prospective buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers to view information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions for their building so they can consider improvements to the efficiency of the property and in time optimize fuel usage as part of their investment.
The EPC will also include a recommendation report, which lists cost effective solutions and other measures (such as low and zero carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating, i.e. renewal energy wind, solar and water generated systems for providing heat and light. Potential ratings are also given showing what could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.
The certificate is required because nearly 50 per cent of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions arise from the way our buildings are heated and used and combined with lighting consumption. Even comparatively small changes in the way we use each building will have a significant effect in reducing energy used and carbon emitted.
EPCs can only be produced by accredited energy assessors, at Electrical Estimates we can provide Domestic and Commercial EPC’s for our clients. Please contact us for a fast competitive quotation on energy@electricalestimates.co.uk 
| 
