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LAUNCH OF EPCs IN DANGER OF BECOMING A RE-RUN OF HIPs

King Sturge expert warns of acute shortage of assessors for new “green” rating for buildings

A South West building expert has warned that the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) could be dogged by the same “confusion and logjam” that accompanied the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs).

Steve Puddicombe, partner in the building consultancy team at King Sturge in Bristol, told the firm‘s annual media briefing that there is a major shortfall in the number of assessors required to help launch EPCs across the country.

He said there was a risk of a repeat of what happened with HIPs, the introduction of which was hampered by a lack of qualified home inspectors.

Since last week, it has been a legal requirement that any large commercial building being bought, sold, or let has to have an EPC. The new law will be extended to medium sized buildings, of more than 2,500 sq m, on 1st July, and then to all remaining commercial buildings from 1st October.

From that date Government and public buildings, including schools, GP surgeries, fire stations, libraries, and offices, will also need a Display Energy Certificate.

For most buildings, the EPC will be generated by a computerised “Simplified Building Energy Model” (SBEM), which an assessor will use to give a building an A-G energy efficiency rating.

“There is a clear parallel between what we are seeing with EPCs and the confusion and logjam that surrounded the introduction of HIPs for residential properties,” said Steve Puddicombe.

“The SBEM software to prepare EPCs was only released last month, and as all assessors must be certified to use a specific SBEM software package, there are presently very few trained assessors ready to produce the EPCs.”

“For the moment, only buildings larger than 10,000 sq m need an EPC, so the size and complexity of some of those buildings could not be handled by SBEM. But when the law extends to smaller buildings this summer, there could be real problems.”

Mr Puddicombe said there will be fines of up to £5,000 for not having an EPC in time, while newly competed buildings without an EPC will not be able to obtain a Building Regulations Certificate.

“We can only hope that the SBEM software and sufficient assessors are in place to cope when demand for EPCs across the region begins to mushroom,” he added.

“As one of the founder members of the UK Green Building Council, King Sturge has already put in place resources to assist landlords, developers and occupiers to advise and manage the preparation of EPCs.”

ENDS             10th April 2008

For further information please contact Neil Fraser, Sturgess Van Damme, on 01275 349011 or email neil@sturgessvandamme.co.uk

Notes to editors

King Sturge is one of the largest international property consultancies in Europe (52 offices in 17 countries), with a comprehensive network of over 165 wholly owned and associated offices throughout the world.  Over 3,800 staff throughout these offices cover all property sectors and specialisms, including plant and machinery.  In Europe, King Sturge operates in principal mainland European cities.

In Asia Pacific, King Sturge has associations in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.

In North America, King Sturge has business partners in the Americas and Canada through King Sturge CORFAC International.