Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An Energy Performance Certificate rates a Commercial building in terms of its capability to use energy efficiently. The building is rated on a scale of A – G where A is the most efficient. This is based on the building's CO2 emissions per m2 of floor area and provides details of where the building's energy is being used such as lighting, heating and cooling etc.

What is a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)?

A Display Energy Certificate shows the capability of a public building to use energy efficiently. The building is rated from A – G and provides information to the public about how much CO2 it is currently producing.

Why do I need an Energy Performance Certificate and when do I need it?

The European Performance of Buildings Directive, issued by the EU, requires all member states to certify a building's energy status from1 October 2008. The occupants and building users can then be provided with this information. In England and Wales it is an offence to construct, sell or lease a building without providing an Energy Performance Certificate to potential Tenants, Lessors or Owner/Occupiers. There is a requirement by law to commission an Energy Performance Certificate 14 days prior to any marketing activity so s to enable its assessment and production.

Who will need a Display Energy Certificate and when?

Any building with a floor area greater than 1000m2 that is frequently visited by members of the public requires a Display Energy Certificate and they are required from 1st October 2008.

How often will I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates are valid for 10 years, regardless of whether the building is resold, released or re-let within this time period.

How long is a Display Energy Certificate valid for?

The trigger for an inspection is size not type of building so inspections can apply to domestic as well as commercial or public buildings. Air Conditioning systems where the total cooling capacity is greater than 12kW (in dwellings and non-dwellings) will be inspected at intervals not exceeding five years. By 4 January 2009 all air conditioning systems over 250kW must have their first inspection, and by 4 January 2011 all air conditioning systems over 12kW must have their first inspection.


The regulations require the first inspection of the affected air-conditioning systems to be carried out as follows:


For all systems first put into service on or after 1 January 2008, the first inspection must have taken place within 5 years of the date when it was first put into service


For other air-conditioning systems, where the effective rated output is more than 250kW the first inspection must happen by 4 January 2009


For other air-conditioning systems, where the effective rated output is more than 12kW the first inspection must happen by 4 January 2011


From the 4 January 2011, if the person in control of the air-conditioning system changes and the new person in control is not given an inspection report, the new person in control of the system must ensure the air-conditioning system is inspected within 3 months of the day that person assumes control of the system.

Who needs an air conditioning inspection and when?

The trigger for an inspection is size not type of building so inspections can apply to domestic as well as commercial or public buildings. Air Conditioning systems where the total cooling capacity is greater than 12kW (in dwellings and non-dwellings) will be inspected at intervals not exceeding five years. By 4 January 2009 all air conditioning systems over 250kW must have their first inspection, and by 4 January 2011 all air conditioning systems over 12kW must have their first inspection.

The regulations require the first inspection of the affected air-conditioning systems to be carried out as follows:

For all systems first put into service on or after 1 January 2008, the first inspection must have taken place within 5 years of the date when it was first put into service

For other air-conditioning systems, where the effective rated output is more than 250kW the first inspection must happen by 4 January 2009

For other air-conditioning systems, where the effective rated output is more than 12kW the first inspection must happen by 4 January 2011

From the 4 January 2011, if the person in control of the air-conditioning system changes and the new person in control is not given an inspection report, the new person in control of the system must ensure the air-conditioning system is inspected within 3 months of the day that person assumes control of the system.

Who needs a Fire Risk Assessment and when?

Fire risk assessments are required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 or ‘the Fire Safety Order’ which came into force on October 1 2006. This means that anyone who owns, manages or operates a business from commercial premises will need to carry out a mandatory detailed fire risk assessment to comply with this fire safety legislation. This applies to virtually all buildings, places and structures other than domestic households in England and Wales. Under this legislation old Fire Certificates are no longer valid.

How much do our services cost?

This depends on the complexity of the building layout and its services. It may also depend upon what information is available in the form of drawings, specifications etc. However our experience gained through having completed hundreds of inspections and assessments allows us to aim to minimise costs rather than maximise them and this makes our pricing extremely competitive.

How long will they take to complete?

From appointment, we will aim to provide you with a Certification within 48 hours to enable you to meet your legal obligations and fulfil your marketing commitments.

What are the benefits of energy assessments?

It is true to say that many building owners and landlords might view the requirements of providing energy performance certification as an extra financial burden. However another view is that energy assessment helps reduce energy costs and so in the longer term this burden can be lightened. We can help our clients capture these savings.

Public EPC and Dec