How to secure a valid energy performance certificate

Before you sign any lease for your storage facility, you must verify that the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating of 'E' or higher. Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations, it is illegal for a landlord to grant a new lease on a commercial property with an EPC rating of F or G. If the building does not meet this standard, the landlord must carry out energy efficiency improvements or register a valid exemption before you take over the site.

Check the national register

The first step is to see if an EPC already exists for the building. You can do this easily by visiting the UK government's official 'Find an energy certificate' website. All you need is the postcode of the premises. Commercial certificates are valid for 10 years, so even if one exists, check the expiry date carefully.

Understanding the MEES requirements

Since April 2023, the rules regarding energy efficiency have tightened. A valid EPC is not just a piece of paperwork; it is a legal floor for property usage. If the rating is below 'E', you should not proceed with the lease until the landlord has upgraded the property or provided proof of a statutory exemption (such as if the building is a temporary structure or scheduled for demolition).

How to obtain a new EPC

If the premises does not have an EPC, or if the current one has expired, you (or more commonly the landlord) must arrange for a new assessment. The process generally follows these steps:

• Find an Accredited Assessor: You must use a qualified Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA). You can find accredited professionals through the government's EPC register.
• The Site Visit: The assessor will visit the storage facility to inspect key elements including the building's construction, insulation, heating systems, lighting, and air conditioning.
• Data Analysis: The assessor uses specialised software to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions of the building based on the data collected.
• Certificate Issuance: You will receive a certificate with a grade from A+ (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This will be accompanied by a recommendation report suggesting ways to improve the energy efficiency further.

Reviewing the Recommendation Report

Even if the building secures a passing grade of E, pay close attention to the recommendations report. For a storage facility, energy costs for lighting and climate control can be significant. Implementing suggestions like upgrading to LED lighting or improving roof insulation can save your business substantial money on utility bills in the long run.

Top Tip: If you are planning to make structural changes to the building yourself, be aware that these may invalidate the current EPC. You may need to commission a new one once your fit-out is complete to ensure you remain compliant with UK law.