Level three buildings include frequently occurring characteristics such as simple heating systems, simple natural ventilation and small comfort cooling systems.

Frequently occurring characteristics are defined in the national occupational standards in terms of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, fabric and lighting. (i), (ii) and (iii) cover heating, ventilation and air conditioning:

(i) simple heating systems (Boiler Systems <100kw)

(ii) simple natural ventilation

(iii) small comfort cooling systems (up to 12kw)

The process followed by CJD Energy assessment in the delivery of a level 3 EPC include:

• Collecting detailed data during on-site visits. This includes information about the building's construction, insulation, heating, cooling, ventilation systems, lighting, and renewable energy sources (if any). They may also gather data on occupancy patterns and energy usage.
• The collected data is then input into approved software programs specifically designed for EPC assessments. These programs use standardised methodologies to calculate the building's energy performance rating based on factors such as thermal efficiency, air tightness, and renewable energy generation.
• The assessment results in an Energy Performance Certificate, which provides an energy efficiency rating for the building on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient. The certificate also includes recommendations for improving energy efficiency, along with estimated costs and potential savings.
• In England and Wales, it's a legal requirement to have a valid EPC when selling or renting out a property. Failure to provide an EPC when required can result in financial penalties.

For further information on a level 3 assessment, please submit a contact us form.

Level four buildings are all buildings that have any heating, ventilation and air conditioning services that are not defined in the ‘frequently occurring’ list. In practice the following would be classified as level four heating, ventilation and air conditioning:

• linked boilers totalling >100kw
• multi-split cooling systems and VRF systems
• central air conditioning: AHU, all-air, air/water, chillers

The process followed by CJD Energy assessment in the delivery of a level 4 EPC include:

• Collecting detailed data during on-site visits. This includes information about the building's construction, insulation, heating, cooling, ventilation systems, lighting, and renewable energy sources (if any). They may also gather data on occupancy patterns and energy usage.
• The collected data is then input into approved software programs specifically designed for EPC assessments. These programs use standardised methodologies to calculate the building's energy performance rating based on factors such as thermal efficiency, air tightness, and renewable energy generation.
• The assessment results in an Energy Performance Certificate, which provides an energy efficiency rating for the building on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient. The certificate also includes recommendations for improving energy efficiency, along with estimated costs and potential savings.
• In England and Wales, it's a legal requirement to have a valid EPC when selling or renting out a property. Failure to provide an EPC when required can result in financial penalties.

For further information on a level 4 assessment, please submit a contact us form.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for England and Wales are regulations aimed at improving the energy efficiency of privately rented properties. These standards were introduced to tackle the issue of fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the overall energy performance of buildings. Here's a description of the MEES for England and Wales:

1. Scope: MEES apply to privately rented domestic and non-domestic properties in England and Wales. This includes properties rented under assured tenancies, regulated tenancies, and agricultural tenancies, but excludes properties let on a tenancy of less than six months or more than 99 years.
2. Minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating: The primary requirement of MEES is that rental properties must meet a minimum EPC rating. Since April 2018, the minimum EPC rating for domestic properties is E. Landlords cannot grant new tenancies or renew existing ones for properties with an EPC rating below this threshold, unless they have made all possible energy efficiency improvements or secured an exemption.
3. Exemptions: Landlords may be exempt from meeting the minimum EPC rating if they can demonstrate that all cost-effective energy efficiency measures have been implemented, but the property still falls below the minimum standard. Exemptions are also available for certain circumstances, such as where consent to undertake improvements cannot be obtained from relevant third parties, or if the improvements would devalue the property by more than 5%.
4. Penalties: Non-compliance with MEES can result in financial penalties. The maximum penalty for domestic properties is £5,000 per property, while for non-domestic properties, it can be up to £150,000. Additionally, landlords risk having their properties publicly listed on the National PRS Exemptions Register if they fail to comply.
5. Enforcement: Local authorities are responsible for enforcing MEES regulations. They have the authority to request information from landlords, issue compliance notices, and impose penalties for non-compliance.
6. Future Changes: MEES regulations are subject to periodic review and may be updated to reflect changes in energy efficiency standards and government policy. Landlords should stay informed about any amendments to ensure ongoing compliance.

In addition to EPC assessments, CJD Energy Assessment also offer MEES compliance assessment, taking a draft EPC and completing a gap analysis to identify recommendations which may support compliance with current and future MEES regulations. This service includes the full EPC assessment (level 3 or level 4), as well as an excel based report detailing recommended actions to improve EPC rating, to demonstrate MEES compliance. The excel report will include:

• Energy Saving potential for individual recommendations and cumulatively
• Carbon Saving potential for individual recommendations and cumulatively
• Project impact on EPC rating for individual recommendations and cumulatively

For further information on the MEES compliance assessment service, please submit a contact us form.

This service covers all of the stages of assessment covered in the level 3 and 4 EPC assessment, but excludes lodgement of the EPC certificate to the Non Domestic EPC Register. This assessment may be used for landlords who which to understand the performance of their asset, without superseding any existing EPC certificates.

An example of where this service may be used include: at design stage of a new fit out/refurbishment, to understand the potential energy performance

For further information on this service, please submit a contact us form.

Landlords may be exempt from meeting the minimum EPC rating if they can demonstrate that all cost-effective energy efficiency measures have been implemented, but the property still falls below the minimum standard. Exemptions are also available for certain circumstances, such as where consent to undertake improvements cannot be obtained from relevant third parties, or if the improvements would devalue the property by more than 5%.

It is a requirement for landlords to gather evidence in order to submit an exemption, and upload this to the central exemptions register. CJD Energy Assessments are able to offer a service to support landlords in obtaining the necessary evidence, and complete the online submission.

For further information on this service, please submit a contact us form.