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Commercial property companies 'breaking laws'

Published on 8 Jun 2009 under category: legal

Many companies may be breaking commercial property legislation as a recent survey found many agents were not able to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPC).

A study from the National Energy Services (NES) stated companies may not be able to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of the offices they work in, as the owners do not have this information.

The research found 81 per cent of agents failed to show an EPC and nearly half think it is not necessary.

Austin Baggett, deputy managing director of NES, said the certificate should be taken more seriously as it is required by law to inform potential buyers or renters about the energy performance of the building.

"With 80 per cent of commercial buildings not complying with the regulations, the potential for carbon and financial savings by business is seriously undermined," he added.

Mr Baggett stated that it should be made compulsory for all agents to display the EPC on all commercial property details.

The EPCs were introduced in October last year and aim to improve the energy efficiency of the property.