Property adviser Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) has warned that the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) in Scotland next January could be highly problematic. From that date all commercial buildings over 50 m[sup]2[/sup] will be required to have an EPC when they are let or sold. For new buildings the same requirement dates from May 2007. Introduced under the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive the certificates are designed to reduce carbon emissions by having independent assessors determine a building’s energy efficiency and providing recommendations on increasing it.
Property adviser Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) has warned that the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) in Scotland next January could be highly problematic. From that date all commercial buildings over 50 m2 will be required to have an EPC when they are let or sold. For new buildings the same requirement dates from May 2007. Introduced under the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive the certificates are designed to reduce carbon emissions by having independent assessors determine a building’s energy efficiency and providing recommendations on increasing it.
According to JLL a general lack of preparedness threatens a repeat of the chaos surrounding the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act in 2004. Not only have building owners been slow to apply for EPCs but there is a lack of accredited assessors to carry out the required inspections.
David Pestell, director of Jones Lang LaSalle, commented: 'Property owners in Scotland still do not know what the impact of EPCs will be. I believe there will be significant chaos and intensive action to have these EPCs prepared, followed by a lull whilst building owners and managing agents get to grips with the findings of whether their buildings are energy-efficient. They will then decide whether or not to carry out any recommended works - the deciding factors being - who will meet the cost of the works and will there be any rental advantage in doing so.'
