THE COST, EFFICIENCY AND RESULTS OF ENERGY ASSESSMENT CAN BE CONSIDERABLY IMPROVED IF OWNERS, AGENTS AND MANAGERS ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE BASIC DATA TO ENERGY ASSESSORS.
This is not complex information, but should comprise the standard ‘documentation’ of the building. As an ideal list, this would consist of:
- Plans – Floor plans or layouts, or ideally, the 'As-built' construction drawings.
- Specifications - The drawings or specifications of the building, detailing the construction of the walls, floor and roof etc. Alternatively, the age of the building from which these details can be inferred.
- Services – Installation or service records, brochures, certificates, specifications; in fact any documentation giving performance details of heating, lighting or ventilation.
- Plant or Building Manager – A person on site who can guide and inform the assessor during the course of the survey.
If an owner or agent has this information reasonably to hand, and can provide it to their energy assessor, the process will become more accurate and efficient. A comprehensive survey is still required, but the data provided is only confirmed, rather than gathered from scratch. To help owners and agents identify useful information and make other preparations, Enercert is pleased to provide a checklist which is available from our website.
Prepare your Client
Another matter to be addressed is that of cost. The preparation of an EPC represents a cost which the building owner or lessor must pay. It may therefore be prudent to introduce your clients to this matter at the earliest opportunity. In so doing, it may be beneficial to stress the increasing importance of energy performance in the current climate of fuel efficiency and cost-awareness. Also, one might point out that a certificate is valid for ten years (provided there are no significant alterations to the property or its services), and therefore will not be a repetitive transaction cost.
With regard to the ten-year validity, it may also be worthwhile considering the certification of entire portfolios or estates so as to give future flexibility in disposals and lettings. In addition, once energy performance is determined, it may be possible to manage or improve the energy efficiency of a building. A re-survey and re-certification may then be available at nominal cost so as to give commercial effect to the improvements.
Advice
Enercert provides an experienced and specialist commercial energy assessment service. We have provided advice and briefings to solicitors and agents, and would be happy to offer our experience without obligation.
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