Everything you need to know about EPCs and BREEAM
Introduction
In the UK, it’s now a legal requirement for all commercial buildings to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This document shows how energy efficient a building is, and landlords must provide one to tenants before they can occupy or lease a property. In this blog post, we’ll explain what EPCs are and take a look at BREEAM – the world’s leading assessment method for sustainable buildings. We’ll also discuss why having a BREEAM rating for your commercial or domestic property is important.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, rates the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). The rating is based on assessing the property’s insulation, heating and hot water systems, glazing, ventilation and lighting.
An EPC is required whenever a property is built, sold or rented, and it must be displayed prominently so potential buyers or tenants can see it. The certificate also provides advice on what measures can be taken to improve the property’s energy efficiency. For example, installing double-glazing or loft insulation can help to reduce heat loss and save money on energy bills.
Why do you need an EPC?
An EPC can be used to:
Help you understand how energy efficient your property is and identify opportunities to make improvements
Compare the energy efficiency of different properties
Compare the running costs of different properties
Support any Green Deal or other energy efficiency measures you are considering
Provide information for the display energy certificate (DEC) required for buildings over 250 sq. m. that are frequently visited by the public.
As well as being a legal requirement whenever a property is built, sold or rented, it is also required when specific changes are made to a property, such as installing new double glazing or changing the boiler. There are some exemptions from needing an EPC, such as listed buildings, places of worship and temporary structures.
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM is the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, and it’s a way of assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability of new and refurbished buildings.
It covers a range of issues from energy use, water use, materials, transport, pollution, health and well-being to the management of the site and its surroundings. It’s widely used in the UK and Europe and is gradually being adopted in other parts of the world.
What are the stages of a BREEAM assessment?
There are three primary stages to a BREEAM assessment pre-assessment, design stage assessment and post-construction assessment.
Pre-Assessment
The pre-assessment stage of a BREEAM assessment is vital to ensure that the project meets the required standards. During this stage, the assessor will conduct a site visit and review the project documentation. They will also carry out an initial assessment of the building envelope, services and environmental impact. This stage allows the assessor to identify potential areas of improvement and make recommendations for further action. It is important to note that the pre-assessment stage is not a pass or fail exercise but simply an opportunity to identify any potential improvements that could be made.
Design Stage Assessment
The design stage of a BREEAM assessment is when the architects and engineers get their calculators out and start assessing how much energy the building will use. They’ll also come up with ideas about making the building more environmentally friendly. For example, they might suggest using solar panels or planting trees around the building. Once they’ve done their calculations, they’ll give the building a score. The higher the score, the more environmentally friendly the building is.
Post-Construction Assessment
The post-construction stage of a BREEAM assessment is when an assessor visits the site to check that it meets all of the standards set out in the original assessment. This includes checking things like the energy efficiency of the building, its water usage, and its waste management. The assessor will also look at how the building has been designed and constructed and is being used. This assessment stage is essential because it ensures that the building meets the standards set out in the original assessment and runs as efficiently as possible.
Summary
If you want to make your building as energy-efficient and eco-friendly as possible, you’ll need both an EPC and BREEAM certification. Here’s a quick overview of the advantages of each one.
An EPC certification means your building has been assessed for its energy performance. A good EPC rating means that your building is more energy-efficient, saving you money on your energy bills. It also means that your building is less likely to contribute to climate change.
A BREEAM certification assesses the environmental impact of your building. The assessment looks at factors like water use, waste management, and air quality. A good BREEAM rating means that your building is more environmentally friendly, which is good for the planet. It also makes your building more attractive to potential tenants or buyers.
So, if you want to make your building as energy-efficient and eco-friendly as possible, you need an EPC and BREEAM certification.
How do you get the EPC or BREEAM certification?
AG provides hands-on support to clients wanting to take responsible actions to reduce their environmental impact. Our solutions and experienced team make it easy to implement a sustainability strategy within any business, organisation or residential property.
Our in-house Energy Assessors will evaluate the potential material improvements that can be made to commercial and domestic properties and their associated costs.
Next, we will undertake a current EPC assessment, generating a selection of energy-efficient upgrades to ensure your properties comply with the impending legislative changes regarding energy performance.
Finally, we will specify, tender, and project manage your EPC assessment works, leaving you with a compliant, energy-efficient portfolio to bolster the ESG standings of your organisation.
AG are also able to offer BREEAM advice and assessment for commercial refurbishment and fit out projects, ranging from pre-assessment of your property to final certification.
Our domestic and commercial sustainability services cover:
EPC assessment and reporting
EPC improvement reports
Retrofit assessments
Retrofit project delivery
Sustainability due diligence
BREEAM certification advice and assessment
Licence to alter EPC impact analysis
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