Scotland gives Lifespan SBEM the thumbs-up

The Scottish government has recently approved new Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) software designed by Property Tectonics (pt)

The Manchester-based consultancy’s Lifespan-SBEM is used to produce commercial EPCs via web based software - making it one of the few electronic systems available.

Producing EPCs became a legal requirement for all commercial properties in October 2008.

Recognising Lifespan-SBEMs accreditation and success in England and Wales the Scottish Government has given the go-ahead for it to be used north of the border.

Unlike in England and Wales the Scottish system, at least for now, does not require certificates to be lodged in a central government database. However, Scotland does require each energy performance certificate to be displayed in the building to which it relates.

In England and Wales non-domestic energy certificates are not displayed. There is, however, a requirement in England and Wales to provide a different type of certificate, known as a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) which must be provided and displayed in public building over a 1000 square metres.

David Bracegirdle, a director of Property Tectonics, said: "The introduction of EPCs has had a huge effect on the way businesses and the public sector manage their properties."

"We’ve recognised that ease of use is paramount, especially if organisations have a large property portfolio, which is why our software is web based. Of course, this helps save paper and benefits the environment a little more in the process."

Go to Lifespan SBEM website