Energy Performance Certificates and Agricultural Buildings

From 1st July EPCs will be required for the construction, sale or let of all commercial buildings encompassing agricultural buildings. However, some types of commercial buildings are exempt from the requirement for an EPC. These include workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demands.

Most farm buildings used for housing livestock, storage and other traditional uses, will not constitute as a 'building' under the Regulations. A building must have a roof and walls where energy is used to condition the indoor climate. This is the case where the building has heating, mechanical ventilation or air conditioning. The provision of hot water and electric lighting, although fixed building services, do not trigger the need for an EPC. An example of where an EPC may be required would be a farm building converted in to office space which has one or all of the following; heating, mechanical ventilation, air conditioning and let on or after 1st July. Holiday lets however, are exempt from the requirement for an EPC.