Rush on for energy certificates
Low Carbon Energy Assessors (LCEAs) are reporting high demand from building owners for energy certificates, as the October 1 deadline looms.
Around 40,000 buildings will need a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) by October with 10,000 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) needed every month from then onwards, according to the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).
The CIBSE Certification website is experiencing high levels of traffic as building owners look for professionals accredited to provide the certificates.
LCEA Judy Ong, of Ecotag, explained: "The rush to get DECs in time for October is definitely in full swing. There is never an enquiry for just one DEC, there is always at least a dozen and sometimes a few hundred required. We would encourage anyone who thinks they will require DECs not to delay in finding an assessor, in order to get assessments completed in good time."
Another LCEA, Richard Hipkiss of i-Prophets Energy Services, added: "With October 1 nearing, the volumes of certificates LCEAs are working on is increasing by the week. For DECs, in particular, occupiers are starting to realise that now is the time to start."
TIMELINE:
July 1: those buildings with a total useful floor area greater than 2,500 m² now require EPCs on construction, sale or let.
October 1: All remaining buildings will require EPCs on construction, sale or let and all public buildings over 1,000m² will require a DEC.