C average for energy ratings

Buildings with a total floor area greater than 10,000m2 have been required to have an EPC since April. Results from the first three months of implemention show the top five upgrades and energy efficiency measures recommended by energy assessors are:

• more energy efficient lighting

• solar control measures, including reflective coatings and shading devices to windows to reduce cooling demand

• electronic control gear to improve efficiency of fluorescent lighting

• solar water heating

• review of boiler plant to look for energy efficiency improvements

On 1 July the scheme was extended to cover buildings with a floor area of more than 2500m2. Now these too will be required to have an energy assessment when constructed, sold or rented.

Since the introduction of EPCs nearly 800,000 buildings – including more than 500 large commercial premises – have had an energy assessment.

Housing minister Iain Wright said: “Buildings are responsible for almost 50% of the UK’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. A major part of our response to climate change must be around improving the energy efficiency of buildings.”

He said the scheme would be extended to all commercial premises later in the year. “EPCs are a starting point for businesses to get clear information on how they can save money on their fuel bills and cut carbon emissions.

“It is important that this information should be available to prospective buyers and tenants of all commercial buildings, so we look forward to extending EPCs to the rest of the sector in October.”

Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: “EPCs will make potential owners and occupiers much more aware of energy use and carbon emissions, enabling them to make more informed choices.

“As more and more EPCs are issued, buildings with higher ratings may well begin to command a higher premium in the market.”