Is an EPC required for buildings which are sold or rented out as core or shell buildings (i.e. without services)?
For shell and core buildings, such as commercial retail/warehouse units for example, not all the services will be installed (especially lighting, mechanical ventilation and cooling) at the point where the building is sold or rented out. However, where they will be fitted out and there is an expectation that energy will be used to condition the indoor climate, an EPC should be provided by the builder. The EPC should be based on the maximum design fit out specification as used for compliance with Part F of the Building Regulations. (Part F ensures that building work conforms to energy performance standards). Where insufficient information is available (for example, no services have actually been installed), Part F defaults to the ‘worst’ energy rating allowed under Part F. Therefore the most energy intensive fixed services fit out allowed under Part F will be assumed for the purposes of the certificate. Any subsequent fit out will, of course, need to comply with Part F of the Building Re
