Issue 1 – January 2008

Energy Performance Certificates

For some time now, it has been clear that the Government will require property owners to obtain Energy Performance Certificates for both residential and commercial properties; however, it would be wrong to blame the Government for this, it is merely implementing a long standing EU Directive dating back as far as 2001.

The original plan for commercial properties was that Energy Performance Certificates would be required on the sale or letting of all commercial properties from 6 April 2008.

Owing to the delay in announcing what qualifications an inspector must obtain, and the consequential delay in there being a critical mass of available suitably qualified inspectors, the introduction of the requirement for Energy Performance Certificates is to be staggered. The dates are now as follows:-

• 6 April 2008 for a commercial property exceeding 10,000 square metres
• 1 July 2008 for a commercial property exceeding 2,500 square metres
• 1 October 2008 for all other commercial properties.

For further information contact kevin.steele@mishcon.com