Landlords
Landlord’s
Guide to Energy Performance Certificates1.Understand your portfolioMake sure you are aware which (if any) of your properties will be subject to the new legislation. This will depend on the size and use of the property. Gather together the paperwork for each and every one of the premises in your portfolio such as building size, usable floor area, an up-to-date Operation & Maintenance manual and its asset register.
|
|
If you are required to produce a DEC make sure you have the last 12 months’ utility bills available, preferably in electronic format. You should also ensure the lease agreements are in accordance with British Property Federation standards.
2. Understand your costs
While studies have shown that following the Energy Performance Directive will save businesses a significant amount of money in the long term, it is important that managers budget for the short term costs of compliance, as well as the potential improvements to your assets as a result of your energy grade.
3. Look to the future
Plan ahead. Consider which buildings you would possibly wish to modify or sell in the next year and create a forecast so that you can ensure that you meet all the Directive’s deadlines.
Only accredited companies can provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Display Energy Certificates (DEC’s) – Note that MCD Ltd is fully accredited and listed on the CIBSE Low Carbon Consultants register.
4. Understand responsibilities
When a building is being constructed or modified, it is the responsibility of the party carrying out the construction or modification to produce an EPC and recommendations report to the property owner. As the property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are provided with an EPC when the work has been completed.
5. Appreciate the value of an EPC
By complying with the legislation and following the recommendations supplied with the EPC on how to improve energy efficiency, you can reduce your energy bills and cut its carbon emissions, thereby making the property more attractive to potential buyers or tenants in the future.
A poor energy rating could deter some potential tenants or buyers who do not wish to pay higher energy costs or simply cannot occupy an energy inefficient building due to Corporate Social Responsibility policies or reputation issues.
Email: info@mdconsultancy.org and briancanny40@hotmail.com
Mechanical Design Consultancy Ltd, Paddock Hill, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire,
PROFESSIONAL : ACCREDITED : INDEPENDENT