Energy Assessment

Energy Assessment evaluates how buildings consume energy, helping to identify inefficiencies, potential cost-saving measures, and areas for reducing environmental impact.
These assessments are essential for creating energy-efficient strategies that can reduce a building’s carbon footprint, lower utility costs, and enhance comfort for occupants. Through energy saving upgrades, such as better insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and advanced HVAC systems, buildings can significantly reduce their energy use, conserve natural resources, and lower operating costs. Moreover, energy efficient buildings often offer improved lighting, air quality, and thermal comfort, enhancing the overall wellbeing and productivity of those who use these spaces. All domestic, commercial and new-build buildings in the UK that are made available to buy or rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). EPCs tell you how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). EPCs let the person who will use the building know how costly it will be to heat and light, and what its carbon dioxide emissions are likely to be. The certificate also states what the energy-efficiency rating could be if improvements are made and highlights ways to achieve a better rating. 

Domestic EPCs

It is a legal requirement for a Vendor (selling domestic property) or Landlord (renting or leasing domestic property) to provide a valid and registered EPC for a prospective buyer or tenant. The certificate itself is valid for ten years from the date of issue. Alterations to dwellings may make the certificate invalid, in which case a new certificate must be provided.

Non-Domestic EPCs

A Non-Domestic EPC is required when a commercial property is intended to be built or made available for sale or let. This is a mandatory requirement that must be carried out. There are a few exceptions for example, places of worship, temporary buildings, agricultural, or if the building is due to be demolished.

On-Construction (New Build) EPCs

An On-Construction EPC is required for every new dwelling (including conversions). A Completion Certificate cannot now be issued by Building Control unless the EPC has been submitted. The EPC is produced as the final stage of the As Built SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations, and it must be prepared by an accredited On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor.

Retrofit Assessment and Coordination

Retrofit is any improvement works made to an existing building that improves its energy efficiency. While Energy Assessment through Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) gives an indication of measures that could be taken to improve a building’s efficiency, they sometimes can’t take into account specific factors that make buildings unique, or what’s possible to install in a property. Retrofit takes the building as a whole and considers how to best make changes to it specifically, and provides recommendations based on what can practically be done. Retrofit assessment usually begins with a visit from a qualified Retrofit Assessor, who surveys the whole building. The building survey report includes:

• Detailed evaluation of the building’s current energy performance and existing installations of energy efficiency measures

• Details on the overall condition of the building, including defects that could affect retrofitting efforts

• Consideration of heritage and architectural constraints of the building

• Advice on appropriate energy efficiency measures for the property

• Photographic details of all relevant areas of the building

Assessment also includes an 30-minute consultation with an assessor, ang ongoing support through the retrofit process. Where appropriate, we can also provide the following additional documentation:

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• Air Permeability Testing and Certificate

• RdSAP or SAP Calculations

• U-Value Calculations

Air Permeability Testing

Air Permeability testing, also known as air pressure testing or air tightness testing, measures how much air is escaping from a building. It is the recognised method used to measure air lost through leaks in a building’s fabric. The test is vital in establishing the energy efficiency of a new building and can identify poor build quality within new developments. An air tightness test is completed towards the end of the construction process, to meet Building Regulations. The results of the test are used within SAP and SBEM calculations and influence a new building’s overall energy rating.

We are a member of the Independent Airtightness Testing Scheme (iATS), and all our tests are carried out in accordance with Air Tightness Testing & Measure Association (ATTMA) TSL1 Standards. Our equipment is calibrated annually to UKAS standards.

Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos is a material made up of tiny, invisible fibres which can be breathed in. It was used in many buildings until it was banned in 1999. Asbestos-related diseases typically take decades to develop, and cannot be cured. Asbestos is the largest cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain. While the material continues to be safely removed, much of it is still in place, posing a risk to people who live or work in older buildings if asbestos is not managed effectively, and is damaged or disturbed. Marsh Riddell Gibson are accredited through BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) and hold P402 qualifications to carry out Asbestos surveys and bulk sampling of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs). We offer two types of asbestos survey:

Asbestos Management Survey

The purpose of the management survey is to manage Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) during the normal occupation and use of premises. A Management Survey aims to ensure that nobody is harmed by the continuing presence of ACMs in the premises or equipment, that the ACMs remain in good condition, and that nobody disturbs it accidentally. The Survey will locate any ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed. It involves minor intrusion and disturbance to make a Materials Assessment. This shows the ability of the ACMs, if disturbed, to release fibres into the air. The report will also comment on priorities for any remedial work.

Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Survey

The Refurbishment & Demolition Survey is required where premises need to be upgraded, refurbished or demolished. It aims to ensure that nobody will be harmed by work on ACMs in the premises or equipment, and such work will be done by the right contractor in the right way. The survey will locate and identify all ACMs before any work begins. It involves destructive inspection and asbestos disturbance. The area surveyed must be vacated, and certified “fit for reoccupation” after the survey.

Specialist Surveys

Legionella Risk Assessment and Water Sampling

By conducting a Legionella Risk Assessment for your workspace or rental properties, we can help you fulfil your duties as landlord or employer. Legionella is a collective term for diseases caused by legionella bacteria including Legionnaire’s disease, as well as other conditions. A risk assessment identifies potential hazards within the property, considers who may be at risk, and recommends control measures.