CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessor John Field, of Power Efficiency Ltd, today presented one of the first commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) produced by an accredited CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessor. The certificate was presented to Richard Ratcliffe of St Martins Property, the property development and investment company that owns the Cottons Centre on the South Bank of the Thames.
The EPC helps to make St Martins one of the best prepared commercial landlords in the country. They are ready for new legislation which requires owners of commercial buildings to make an energy assessment available to prospective purchasers or tenants. From 6th April buildings over 10,000m2 require certificates, with smaller buildings needing them later this year. It is estimated that 100,000 EPCs will be needed in the first year.
“We are delighted to receive one of the first EPCs from CIBSE. St Martins is committed to sustainable development and achieving a “C” grade for the Cottons Centre, a building more than 20 years old, reflects the work we have undertaken to enhance the Centre,” said Richard Ratcliffe.
CIBSE President John Armstrong said: “EPCs will make great energy efficient building design visible, and Display Energy Certificates (DECs) will do the same for energy efficient building operation. They will highlight the importance of the job being done by low carbon specialists in reducing carbon emissions from buildings. CIBSE’s Low Carbon Energy Assessors can go further than simply providing a building energy certificate, they can help commercial landlords and building occupiers to do more than just count carbon, they can help control it.
“By highlighting the contribution these experts can make, the arrival of EPCs presents an ideal opportunity to demonstrate to the next generation that becoming a low carbon designer or energy manager are highly worthwhile professions.”
CIBSE Certification Ltd was one of the first organisations to be given the go ahead by the Department for Communities and Local Government to accredit Energy Assessors and is committed to accrediting sufficient Low Carbon Energy Assessors to provide excellent advice and real help for clients.
There are 850 people already on the CIBSE Low Carbon Consultants register and the majority of them are expecting to top-up to become Energy Assessors. There are currently 17 people fully qualified, 65 more just undergoing final checks and a further 199 who have completed their CIBSE training. CIBSE aims to have all of those fully accredited by July 1st when the number of certificates required will go up substantially.
For further information please visit www.cibsecertification.com or email [email protected]