BCA can provide fully compliant Energy Performance Certificates and advisory reports. Reports are usually made available within 72 hours and in urgent cases, within 24 hours.
In 2007 the UK government implemented EU Directive 2002/91/EC and launched the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations. The regulations are designed to reduce CO2 emissions of buildings and improve their energy efficiency. Non compliance can result in failure to complete conveyancing or possible action by Trading Standards Officers including fines of up to £5,000. The provision of Energy Performance Certificates using a qualified and/or accredited independent expert, is required by law in the following circumstances:
Building owners and Landlords (e.g. head lessees) must provide an Energy Performance Certificate to any prospective buyer or tenant when they construct, sell or lease a commercial building.
Scotland
The provision of an Energy Performance Certificate on construction of any new dwelling of any size and of a new commercial property over 50m sq. in Scotland came into effect under the Building (Scotland) Regulations wherever a warrant was applied for on or after 1st May 2007.
The requirement for an Energy Performance Certificate to be produced to a prospective buyer or tenant when selling or leasing an existing dwelling of any size or an existing commercial building over 50m sq. in Scotland was effective from 4th January 2009 under Building (Scotland) Regulations.