This article is a basic introduction to business energy certificates including what they are, who needs them and what happens if you don’t acquire one.

What are Business Energy Certificates?

Business energy certificates measure the energy usage of a particular building. These certificates are a vital component in highlighting the overall energy efficiency of a property, and offer support on how improvements can be made to lessen a building’s energy consumption in the future.

What types of Business Energy Certificates exist and what are the differences between them?

There are two types of business energy certificates; Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) and display energy certificates (DEC). The difference between the two is that, in England and Wales, EPC’s cover dwellings and commercial buildings, whereas DEC’s apply to buildings occupied by public authorities or buildings used to provide a public service EPCs are valid for 10 years, whilst DECs need to be renewed annually.

In Scotland EPCs are used to cover public buildings as well as homes and commercial buildings

Who needs an EPC/DEC?

In England and Wales, government legislation states that all commercial buildings that are put on the market for sale/rent as well as all newly built commercial buildings require an EPC. Public buildings with a floor space greater than 1000m2 require a DEC. DECs are required irrespective of whether the building is up for sale or rent.

In Scotland EPC’s are required for dwelling and commercial buildings made available for sale or rent and must be on display for public buildings that have a floor space larger than 1,000 m2.

British Gas Business offer a range of products and services tailored to the business market, including fixed price energy contracts, boiler and central heating services, an online business insurance comparison service and a connections and electric metering service for new energy supplies, conversions and upgrades.

Customers can visit http://www.britishgas.co.uk/business for further information.