ICBA: Goverment Must end confusion over Commercial Energy Performance Certificates

The Government must end confusion over Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) for commercial property sales and lettings if they are to succeed, according to Britain’s commercial business agents.

The Institution of Commercial Business Agents (ICBA) has, today, called upon the Government to clarify at what stage an EPC is required.

Currently regulations state that an EPC should be available when written information is first requested about a property.

Michael Hare, Partner at Feather Smailes and Scales LLP, and the Chairman of ICBA said: “My own view is that an EPC must be available when a request for details is made. However many agents would not send the EPC with this initial marketing material, even if they had it on file.

“Some direct criteria and guidance from the Government would clarify the problem and ensure that owners do not get into difficulties and risk financial penalties.”

Mr Hare dismissed calls for responsibility of providing an EPC – which at £500 + are around 10 times the cost of their residential equivalent - to rest with the agent.

Currently the provision of an EPC rests with the owner of the property.

Mr Hare said:” It may sharpen owner’s minds and encourage them to commission an EPC if they know that they face a financial penalty if they do not.

“An agent is there to guide and lead clients through the process as best we can, but it would be wrong for the agent to shoulder the financial risk of the owners’ environmental responsibilities.”