Just a reminder that tomorrow (July 1st) is an EPC commencement date under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/991). As from July 1st 2008, subject to the general exceptions in the regulations, EPCs are required on the construction, sale or letting of commercial buildings with a total useful floor area over 2,500 sq. mtrs.
Transitional rules apply under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/647) to commercial buildings with the requisite floor area which were on the market before, and remain on the market after, 1st July 2008. These regulations release the owners and occupiers of such buildings from the obligation to obtain energy performance certificates before contracts are exchanged for a sale or letting. However, the seller/landlord will have to request an energy performance certificate as soon as contracts are exchanged, and supply this to the buyer/tenant when it is obtained.