Countdown for Energy Performance Certificates - CBI Launches Guide

A guide for business on the new Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) being introduced from April has been launched by the CBI, with commercial real estate advisors CB Richard Ellis.

A recent CBI survey revealed that many firms were unaware of the requirement being introduced this year for landlords to obtain an EPC for their buildings. Half of firms (51%) were either unaware or have yet to take action.

Non-domestic buildings will need an EPC when they are built, sold or leased, with the largest buildings requiring one from April and the rest by October. Property occupiers will need to be aware of the certificates when acquiring or disposing of property and can make use of the information in their decision-making as EPCs are a good way to judge a building's likely efficiency and running costs.

As well as reading the guide, firms were able to find out more about the certificates at a breakfast event.

The CBI has also published a revised edition of the popular CBI 'Property for Business: an essential guide for business executives', sponsored by Deloitte. This publication provides important strategic guidance and best practice advice for businesses, regardless of size or sector, on how to develop an effective property strategy for managing property productively and supporting wider commercial and environmental objectives.

Both publications can be downloaded from the CBI website, free of charge at: http://www.cbi.org.uk/property

Three further breakfast events are planned, where other new guides, like the one on EPCs, will be published:

• Code for leasing business premises: one year on - Tuesday 8th April
• Zero-Carbon buildings - Wednesday 25th June
• Plan-making: the importance of business involvement - Thursday 11th September

Businesses interested in attending these events can find further information and register at: http://www.cbi.org.uk/propertybreakfasts