The briefings, which are open to existing and prospective clients, cover such areas as understanding how an EPC is produced and the main factors affecting the rating; how to achieve the best rating you can; and how to improve your F and G ratings.
The seminars also examine the implications of changes to the EPC regulations from this April and the implications of the 2010 Building Regulations.
Ruth Gilbody, commercial director of 4See Environmental, said: “We are seeing an increasing level of emphasis being placed on EPC ratings, mostly connected with the recent legislation passed in last year’s Energy Act because from April 2016 residential landlords will not be able to refuse reasonable requests from tenants, or local authorities acting on behalf of tenants, to improve the energy efficiency of their property.
“Also from April 2015 in Scotland, and by April 2018 in England & Wales, it will become unlawful to rent out a house or business premises which have less than a minimum energy efficiency standard. In 2011 the Government indicated that the minimum could be an ‘E’ rated EPC, although this has not yet been confirmed.
“So it is easy to see why landlords are showing renewed interest in this subject.”
One company that has benefited from a joint session covering the changes and related Government policy is Capita Symonds Real Estate, whose staff, together with some of their clients, found the information valuable.
Suzanne Roberts, head of sustainability at Capita Symonds Real Estate, said: “This seminar helped us keep colleagues and clients informed of Government policy and we learned from an experienced ECP Assessor about the key factors affecting EPC rating calculations. Feedback following this session from colleagues was very positive.”