EPCs + Part L Compliance

What is an EPC and who needs it?

An EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate and is required upon completion of most new builds. Exemptions can occur including places of worship, or at the sale or letting of property (although contact us for advice).

What does a commercial EPC entail?

For an existing building, your dedicated registered non-domestic energy assessor will provide you with a questionnaire for your building which you will need to complete and return.

They will then conduct a survey of your property and use the data and information to complete SBEM calculations.

SBEM stands for Simplified Building Energy Modelling. The results if the modelling will dictate your asset rating and this will be lodged with the appropriate body and an EPC will be issued along with a recommendation report.

New builds/amending existing buildings: Part L

Your project will need to meet either Building Regulations Part L2A or Part L2B compliance. This will be confirmed by building control but your assessor can also advise. Your assessor will provide you with a questionnaire for your building and request plans.

They will then complete an SBEM for your building and if it is non-compliant then you will be advised on how best to achieve compliance.

Once the building design meets compliance then a draft EPC will be provided along with a BRUKL which stands for Building Regulation United Kingdom Part L. The BRUKL output document details the information which has been input to SBEM.

Construction must take place in accordance with the design and your assessor must be notified if changes are made to ensure compliance is still achievable.

Once complete confirmation will need to be provided that the building was constructed as designed and all services were installed as designed. The EPC can then be lodged with the relevant body and certification can be provided.