Ae Insurance Brokers limited - General Other - Southampton

Date: 01 Aug 2008

Businesses are failing to recognise that they could face fines up to £5,000 if they do not comply with new legislation governing the energy rating performance for commercial premises.

From July 1, any commercial premises over 2,500 square feet needs an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when it is constructed, sold or leased, a seminar organised by Ae Insurance Brokers in Southampton was told.

Darren Steffe and Mark Hole, from Ae Insurance, told the audience of law firms and commercial property managers that the legislation will cover even more businesses from October this year when the EPCs will be required for all commercial premises over 50 square metres, with a limited number of exceptions.

EPCs are set to add to the administrative burden of commercial property businesses, besides increasing costs as they carry out work to comply. Future plans also include the need for inspections to be carried out on all air conditioning systems over 12 kilowatts.

"This legislation has crept in with many businesses unaware of their new responsibilities. Just like EPCs are now in force for residential buildings, the scheme is set to be an important feature when commercial properties are built, sold or leased," commented Darren Steffe.

Ae has a specialist resource to advise and assist with compliance of the new legislation, besides offering practical solutions for commercial premises to reduce the energy operational costs.

Darren Steffe & Mark Hole of Ae Insurance

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