A review of the accuracy of non-domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) carried out by the leading commercial property software simulation business, Arbnco, has found that nearly one in five properties produced lower EPC ratings than previously claimed.

Using its EPC platform of 3,620 commercial properties where EPC assessments have been carried out in the last five years, its re-simulation analyses found that 17.7 per cent of properties rated poorer than the previous rating, while 38 per cent of B rated properties dropped to a C rating. In addition it found that 60 per cent of all the properties in its database now have D, E, F or G ratings.

These results should be of concern to the commercial property sector in England and Wales, not least with the introduction of new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) energy ratings on 1 April this year. MEES regulations means that landlords of buildings subject to the regulations will not be able to re let their property if their building has an EPC rating less than E, until it has been brought up to the required standard. An inaccurate EPC could have serious implications for landlords in terms of income security and asset value.

While MEES regulations will not apply in Scotland, commercial property owners and occupiers should still pay heed to the accuracy or, indeed, otherwise of an EPC, as many lenders and Government Agencies will take into consideration what the energy rating of a building is in their lending or occupancy decision making. DM Hall’s clients should be assured that the tried and tested expertise of our Non-Domestic Energy Assessors throughout Scotland, not to mention their many years of conducting EPCs on a daily basis, and rigorous external auditing means that their current EPC ratings can be relied upon. What’s more, the EPC data we capture at DM Hall is used to analyse energy improvement buildings, the cost of improvements and energy cost savings.

Anyone wishing to discuss this issue further is invited to email DM Hall Head of Energy, Mark O’Neill, mark.oneill@dmhall.co.uk.