April this year sees new changes to EPC's, the current layout of the reports will change and become more visual and easier to understand.
The government have spent a great deal of time and investigation, thus ensuring that the new look reports will become more beneficial to the purchasers of properties.
This also means that current DEAs will need to top up their existing qualifications to ensure that they will be able to produce the new reports.
The governments hope, is that with the reports being easier to understand consumers will undertake energy changes to their properties based on the recommendations from the reports.
The regulations which are designed to overcome the problems of lack of compliance with Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations in the commercial sector are expected in April this year.
The new regulations mean that any commercial or domestic property which is placed on the market should have an EPC in place or immediately after.
However it remains to be seen how tough the government will be on trading standards who as of yet have failed in enforcing the regulations.
The day that estate agents and home owners will be able to order their EPCs from their nearest DIY store or supermarket has come closer, following the acquisition of one of the largest EPC suppliers, National Energy Services, by B&Q.
B&Q's owners, the Kingfisher Group who are Europe's biggest DIY retailers, have refused to say how much they paid for National Energy Services, which includes the DEA accreditation body NHER, and also SAVA, the body originally set up by HIP enthusiast and one-time government adviser Christopher LeGrand.
A Kingfisher spokeswoman said "I can confirm that we have bought NES, and this is part of the group's eco-strategy. I can also say that it will be business as usual at NES."
She would neither confirm nor deny whether the acquisition is part of B&Q's Green Deal strategy, but B&Q, along with Tesco and Marks & Spencer, is one of the firms set to sell insulation and home energy improvements as part of the Government's flagship programme.
The Government chose a B&Q store to launch the Green Deal apprentice scheme, which will spawn a new industry of 'green' home inspectors, who will not necessarily be Domestic Energy Assessors, to visit people's homes and advise on measures such as insulation, solar panels and new boilers.
B&Q plans to have an eco adviser in every store and is already running an eco-trial of homes in south London.
Ian Moore from epcsouth commented "The acquisition of SAVA has certainly shown that B&Q are interested in the Energy market."
For more advice or information contact Ian Moore on e-mail: ian.moore@epcsouth.com.
Tel: 01202 550124
It should soon become clear how much longer we will have to wait for badly-needed new Energy Performance of Buildings regulations.
With MPs due to return to Westminster from their summer break on 5 September, the Department of Communities and Local Government has promised that it will seek to lay the regulations before Parliament as soon as possible.
They have already been delayed for six months from their original date of 1 April, and repeated further delays and uncertainty over the schedule for introduction have exposed chaos within DCLG, as ministers with conflicting agendas fight over the content.
Ian Moore from epcsouth commented "The delay has caused some confusion, however if and when it is brought in then compliance levels should increase."
For more advice or information contact Ian Moore on e-mail: ian.moore@epcsouth.com.
Tel: 01202 550124
That is what the European Commission's Energy Directorate is aiming to find out through a new research study, which will put to the test not only properties but also EPCs themselves across Europe.
Bids closed last week for organisations interested in running the research project across the European Community, which has the snappy title 'Energy Performance Certificates in Buildings and their Impact on Transaction Prices and Rents in Selected EU Countries'.
The research will be carried out on 'diverse building types' in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Cyprus, Austria, Portugal and the Flanders region of Belgium.
The Energy Directorate's contract information states: 'The overall objective is to analyse the possible link between the main energy performance information given on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and the value of a property'.
'A discussion of the results should explore to what extent such a link can be traced back to the energy efficiency of a building, and to what extent the result of the study is influenced by the detected qualities of the certification scheme in the given EU member state'.
In other words, if properties are not perceived as more valuable because they have a good energy rating as is probably the case in the UK then researchers will ask whether that is because there is something wrong with the EPC scheme the country is using.
The study is expected to give rise to policy recommendations which could lead to proposals for changes to the EPC schemes of some of the countries studied.
For more advice or information contact Ian Moore on 01202 550 124 or email to: ian.moore@epcsouth.com.
Commercial Agents are Responsible for having an EPC for all Properties they are marketing
As you may be aware the Government plan to introduce new rules regarding EPCs which will have implications for commercial estate agents. In a recent communication for Communities and Local Government they announced these new rules would likely to come into force on 1 October not 1 July 2011 as originally planned. The updates include:
The government has further delayed the introduction of new amendments to EPB (The Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations.
Following an announcement on Friday that further information would be available this week, the Department of Communities and Local Government today ruled out the possibility of the new regulations coming into force as planned on 1 July.
This means an agonising further wait for commercial energy assessors, to see when the new regulations will take effect.
The DCLG press office would say only that the new regulations will be introduced 'as soon as possible'.
The further delay will inevitably be frustrating for assessors, who have already seen the new regulations deadline pushed back three months from April.
If you have any enquires regarding Energy Performance Certificates please contact Ian Moore on 01202 550 124 or email to: ian.moore@epcsouth.com.
The government has further delayed an announcement on the introduction of new EPB (The Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations, but promised details will be available next week.
Department of Communities and Local Government press officers were tight-lipped today about the date for introduction of the new regulations, but did not rule out the possibility of them coming into force as planned on 1 July.
This means an agonising further wait for commercial energy assessors, to see if the new regulations will take effect on time, or whether their introduction may be pushed back further.
Any further delay will inevitably be frustrating for assessors, who have waited years for a determined government effort on NDEPC compliance, and have already seen the new regulations deadline pushed back three months from April.
A summary of the new regulations, shows that when they do take effect, they should certainly begin to resolve NDEPC compliance problems.
The primary responsibility for obtaining a commercial EPC will continue to rest with the building owner, but the summary clearly suggests that any agent of the owner will have responsibility for ensuring that an EPC has been obtained before marketing of the property begins.
The new regulations also close a loophole which has allowed many building owners to obtain a commercial EPC only at the last minute, when a sale or letting is about to take effect.
If you have any enquires regarding Energy Performance Certificates please contact Ian Moore on 01202 550 124 or email to: ian.moore@epcsouth.com.
The Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne, has just recently announced action to deal with the worst performing rental properties: homes with energy ratings of F and G. Although Friends of the Earth had called for a legal minimum level of energy efficiency for private rented properties to be introduced by 2016, DECC has made a small concession by setting the date at 2018. By this date, it will be an offence to re-let, or market for rent, properties which do not meet this standard. Setting the date at 2018 allows landlords time to meet the new standard before it is enforced, either by improving the property, or removing it from their rental stock.
It's not just about fuel bills, though. Homes with ratings of F & G are linked to several health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis; it's even been suggested that living in a cold home can worsen mental health. It's good to know that at a rating of D, this is not one of the homes that have been accused of costing the Health Service £145M a year, dealing with health problems caused by homes with ratings of F and G. This statistic is probably one reason why DECC was persuaded to take action to deal with the worst performing rental properties.
Some of the changes that can improve the rating are simple, for example energy saving lamps, increasing the loft insulation, double glazing and cavity wall insulation. However improving the heating system can help especially if the radiators are fitted with Thermostatic Radiators Values (TRV's) and the heating has a programmer and thermostat.
However even the most caring landlord isn't going to replace a boiler when it's still working, so it seems that the owner has done a reasonable job of improving this rental property. For an investment of probably less than £4,000, the home has been lifted from its 1970s energy performance to a respectable D rating. The Energy Saving Trust has found that over 60% of the private rented homes banded F or G could be brought to an E standard for less than £5,000, and don't forget, this investment is tax deductible, via the Landlords Energy Saving Allowance.
Details of the 2011 amendments to the EPB Regulations, which may come into effect this year.
The primary responsibility for obtaining an EPC will continue to rest with the building owner, but the summary clearly suggests that any agent of the owner will have responsibility for ensuring that an EPC has been obtained before marketing of the property.
The new regulations also close a loophole which has allowed many building owners to obtain a commercial EPC only at the last minute, when a sale or letting is about to take effect.
The new regulations, originally due in April, have been slightly delayed, and are not now scheduled to be issued until 1 July 2011, but almost all their provisions are due to come into force on that date.
They also give trading standards officers' enhanced powers to require estate agents to produce evidence that an EPC exists or has been commissioned, and introduce changes 'to enable TSOs to enforce the new duties'.
Other changes in the regulations include a requirement that a copy of the EPC must be attached to all property details, which will also affect domestic agents, since the option to include the EPC rating in the property particulars will no longer apply. This requirement alone will take effect on 1 October 2011.
However, these amendments have not yet been laid before Parliament and are currently being considered by the Regulatory Policy Committee.
Provided the necessary clearances are obtained the regulations will be laid out as soon as possible, and bring most of the changes into force on 1st July 2011, though one of the proposed changes will take effect on 1 October 2011.
As all the necessary clearances are being waited for, these dates are provisional and subject to change.
In an effort to continue its promise to be the greenest government ever, chancellor George Osborne's Budget saw some significant changes to green policy.
Mr Osborne announced that the Green Investment Bank would open with £3 billion rather than £1 billion and begin operation in 2012-13, a year earlier than planned. He noted that by 2014, there would be around £18 billion of investment in green infrastructure.
However, the bank will not be given borrowing powers until 2015.
Andrew Raingold, executive director of environmental group the Aldersgate Group, said: "We welcome the additional finance for the Green Investment Bank, but it must have the power to borrow from day one."
"This would put the bank at the heart of the chancellor's plan for growth and not wait until the UK is overtaken in key green industries by competitors."
Other green announcements included the introduction of a carbon price floor for electricity generation from April 2013. The chancellor said that this will drive investment in the low carbon power sector and would be set at £16 per tonne in 2013, rising to £30 by 2020.
2011 looks like a brighter future. Epcsouth has launched a consultancy service to help property occupiers reduce their fuel bills, by making the most of the latest energy saving technology.
Having had an energy certificate carried out already, epcsouth can advise the owner/tenant on ways that can help reduce unnecessary outgoings.
Ian Moore of epcsouth commented "Lower fuel costs go straight to the bottom line as well as reducing carbon emissions".
With grants available to help owners/tenants to improve the efficiency of their properties, it does not have to be an expensive option.
Contact us on 01202 550124 to discuss how we can help to reduce your outgoings!
Europe's efforts to help reduce our fuel bills, requires that all properties that enter the market whether to let or for sale, require an up to date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
With the introduction of the new Energy Performance Building Directive 2 in the near future, one area that is likely to change is the introduction of EPC graphs on the propertys marketing details.
The advantage to new occupiers is that they will be able to make an informed decision on a more efficient property or one that needs a little more work to become more cost effective.
Many energy saving improvements can be paid for by the taxman.
In the future EPCs are going to be more important, since they are a good tool for the government in the fight for the reduction of CO2 emission.
If you would like more information on helping to reduce you fuel bills then please contact Ian Moore on 01202 550 124.
Hampshire and Dorset based firm epcouth are celebrating after carrying out their 6000th Energy Performance Certificate.
Covering all of Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and able to provide both residential and commercial Certificates epcsouth have been operating since 2008 providing a prompt and professional service to their customers. Robert Fairbairn comments "We pride ourselves in giving accurate assessments and advising clients how they can improve their property rating. Occupiers are becoming more conscious of operating costs and we can provide guidance on efficiency."
Pictured are
Ian Moore, Charles Stone, Mike Frith and Robert Fairbairn.
If you have any enquires regarding Energy Performance Certificates please contact Robert Fairbairn on 023 8022 7737 or email to: robert.fairbairn@epcsouth.com.
Ian Moore of epcsouth was instructed to carry out the EPC on The Grange, Romsey, which are offices that were constructed in 2009 and which have up to date HVAC, lighting and windows.
Whilst these offices are situated in a rural location they were still built with efficiency in mind.
Ian Moore of epcsouth commented that "Assessing a property that has efficient lighting and which has been built to a high standard not only makes the report easier to produce, due the amount of information available, but shows that properties can be built with efficiency and aesthetics in mind."
If you have any enquires regarding Energy Performance Certificates please contact Ian Moore on 01202 550 124 or email to: ian.moore@epcsouth.com.
A recent compliance graphs shows 44% in non domestic EPCs being undertaken, however other reports state that compliance is a lot less.
Landlords/tenants are required to have an EPC commissioned before their property is to be marketed. Those that do not comply face a fine of up to £5,000. A well produced report can help in reducing fuel cost on the property.
epcsouth has two qualified assessors who can produce the reports and also help landlords/tenants in fuel savings and cutting carbon emissions.
If you have any questions regarding EPCs please contact Ian Moore on 01202 550 124.
Since the introduction of EPC reports, various professional bodies have questioned whether the Energy Assessors that prepare the reports are sufficiently qualified. With different accrediting bodies for Energy Assessors reports can vary due to the differences in theories.
This has now changed, all Energy Assessors are now to be audited to the same standards, and which should hopefully erase the differences in reports and also highlight those assessors who have only been doing just enough to produce reports.
Ian Moore from epcsouth commented "I hope this will enable the more consciences assessors in our area to be given the opportunity to prove that the reports are useful."
If you have any enquires regarding Energy Performance Certificates please contact Ian Moore on 01202 550 124.
Many occupiers and traders will be surprised to find that they have a responsibility under the Carbon Reduction Commitment rules and could face fines.
Any organisation that has, somewhere, a half hourly electricity meter is affected. Robert Fairbairn of epcsouth warns "many occupiers wrongly believe that these rules only apply to very large companies, but they include all companies in a group and franchisees are grouped under the franchisor - even if the franchisees are in separate legal ownership."
The rules require every grouping that had a half hour electricity meter in 2008 to make an information disclosure by September, however much electricity was used. Those that used, in total, more than 6,000 MWh will have to register with the scheme. A company that fails to register in time faces a £5,000 fine plus an additional £500 per working day until they do.
The grouping requirements in the regulations mean that many companies, which may have a series of smaller premises or a number of franchisees, will be caught.
"If your head office, or main site has a half hourly meter, then all consumption within the group will have to be added up so don't wait until the last minute" says Robert. Letters were sent last autumn to each billing address with a half hourly meter, but that does not mean that they were passed to the correct person in the company to ensure that action is being taken.
Those groups that find that they have to register will have to disclose all the electricity, gas, oil and other fuel that they use except for transport or domestic accommodation in the footprint year that is the 2010/11 financial year.
By the end of July 2011 each company that is required to register will have to prepare a report and an evidence pack of all fuel consumption in 2010/11, including original copies of invoices. This will have to be kept indefinitely as a reference point for future years. The regulations make keeping this pack the responsibility of a Director.
Starting in 2011 participating companies will have to buy allowances, initially priced at £12 per tonne of CO2. At the end of each year these will be traded, with the aim of creating a self-financing system that will reward companies reducing their emissions at the cost of those who do not.
Download the Energy Efficiency Scheme User Guide for more information.
Each month NHER undertake research into EPC compliance for non-domestic buildings the sector with the lowest compliance rates. This is to show how many commercial buildings being marketed have an EPC.
There had been a small increase in compliance, building each month towards 50%. Sadly, in April the index dropped to 45%, showing just how much improvement needs to be made to reach industry expectations.
It is still a legal requirement to have an EPC on a property to inform prospective buyers and tenants about the energy performance of the building.
Ian Moore commented "it shows that there is still an issue with landlords not wanting to pay for the reports".
For further information please contact Ian on 01202 550 124 or email to: ian.moore@epcsouth.com.
In October of this year, we will see major changes as the new Building Regulations are introduced which will see much greater emphasis on the construction of low carbon buildings.
Ultimately this will mean higher build costs which will have to be reflected either in reduced land values or premium prices. It is still too early to tell whether occupiers will pay a premium for a building with lower running costs, particularly at the lower end of the market.
Coupled with the lack of funding for new development and availability of land, the way forward may well be in the form of low carbon refurbishment of existing buildings. Areas considered include lighting, heating, insulation and alternative sources of power.
Grants are available not only from the Government but also from the Carbon Trust and Energy Saving Trust. We are currently working with the Green Energy Centre on a refurbishment of a large local Sports Club. Plans are being approved to install LED energy lighting and a biomass boiler with the aid of grants which will reduce their fuel bills by approximately half.
If you would like further advice on the grants available and works which will improve efficiency of your building please contact Ian Moore on 01202 550124 or e-mail him at ian.moore@epcsouth.com.
The Bournemouth Property Association held their monthly meeting at Goadsby Head Office; Ian Moore of EPCsouth gave a presentation on commercial EPCs. The presentation was to explain how landlords and tenants can reduce the fuel bills.
Ian commented "Although there is some resistance to the certificates by landlords and sellers, many are now accepting that a well produced report can potentially offer up to 50% off on fuel bills".
Within the next few years the development of greener energy and carbon emission reduction will become more important and is being actively pushed by all government parties. Ian stressed that; accordingly there will be a greater emphasis on the reports and their contents.
If you have any enquires regarding EPCs please contact Ian on 01202 550 124 or email to: ian.moore@epcsouth.com.
Ian Moore, Commercial Energy Assessor of EPCsouth, comments that "the government's legislation on EPCs is now in full swing; virtually all properties require an Energy Performance Certificate whether they are commercial or domestic".
The report which is compiled by an accredited EPC assessor produces a recommendation report which highlights the areas of the owner's property which can be improved to help reduce fuel bills. Examples of the improvements which are highlighted in the report include the installation of a more efficient heating system, or the improvement of the glazing or lighting. The initial outlay on certain improvements can be considerable but the cost should be recovered over a reasonable period of time.
Having produced over 4000 EPCs, EPCsouth have seen a change in the consumer's opinion of the EPCs largely due to the fact that fuel bills can be reduced.
Energy Performance certificates: 521 Commercial Properties investigated by Nher.
Market research still shows that there is 68% non-compliance in landlords not wanting to pay for EPC reports, however on a more positive note compliance is up from November 09 by 7%. It is still a legal requirement to have an EPC on a property which is to be sold or let.
Ian Moore of Epcsouth commented "it shows that there is still an issue with landlords not wanting to pay for the reports".
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