metro commercial - blog

In Scotland there is currently no central registration system for non-domestic property Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

In November 2011, the Scottish Government issued a consultation seeking views on the introduction of a fee for each EPC registered on the electronic database as described in the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008. This proposal coincides with the expansion of the database to include EPCs for both dwellings and non-domestic buildings.

The Scottish Government has concluded that a central lodgement system will be created and it will be mandatory for non-domestic EPCs to be lodged. It is anticipated that from 1st october 2012 the Scottish Government introduce a lodgement fee for dwellings (£1.15 + VAT) and non-domestic buildings (£5.36 + VAT).

Although the level for non-domestic buildings has been set at £5.36 + VAT per property it is likely that overall costs invloved with this lodgement could increase considerably. Owners looking to obtain EPCs for portfolio holdings should commission EPCs prior to the introduction of this system in order to reduce costs.

Why introduce a central registration system has been introduced for non-domestic EPCs in Scotland?

Lodgement of non-domestic EPCs and retention of the data used to produce the certificate will contribute to support work undertaken by Scottish Government including:

* Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009

* UK Energy Bill (Green Deal)

* Feed-In Tariffs and

* Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

(non-domestic property includes public buildings / commercial properties such as retail, industrial, office and leisure property)