Building energy efficiency ratings are listed on energy performance certificates, or EPCs. When a structure has a roof, walls, and uses energy to maintain an internal environment, it must have these in order to be built, sold, or rented. Each distinct unit within a building (such as a block of apartments) needs an EPC, however shared bedsit-style housing is exempt from this requirement.
Do I require a “building” EPC for an extension or modify?
A building must have an energy performance certificate if it:
- first built
- It has been altered to have more or fewer pieces than it did before that have been created or changed for various uses.
- modified to add the extension or supply of any permanent services for mechanical ventilation, heating, hot water, or any of those
The individual performing the construction activity must:
(a) provide the building owner with an energy performance certificate for the structure;
(b) send a notification to that effect to the local authority; and
(c) except in the instance of an energy performance certificate granted under regulation 9A, include in such notification the reference number under which the energy performance certificate has been recorded in accordance with regulation 7(4). (energy performance certificates in respect of excluded buildings).
Notification and the energy performance certificate must be delivered no later than five days after the building work is finished.
When is an EPC not required?
- Places of worship.
- Temporary buildings.
- Stand-alone buildings with a floor area of less than 50 square metres.
- Industrial and agricultural buildings with low energy requirements.
- Protected buildings, where compliance with energy efficiency requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance.
- Rented dwellings that continue to be occupied by the same tenant since before 1 October 2008.
- Buildings that are suitable for demolition.
