How to prepare for Green Deal and EPC changes9th April 2012

Estate agents and lettings agents need to make changes to their business practice now, in preparation for the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) changes this April and the Green Deal’s implementation in October. 

Rather than waiting until they are required to do so by law, agents should be starting to review the new EPC requirements and what regulations they will need to meet for the Green Deal in October, as the scheme is set to revolutionise established business procedures and client requirements.

Property professionals will have to assume an even greater responsibility over the provision of energy efficient ratings on behalf of property owners and estate agents will be relying on concise and up-to-date information that is easily accessible.

While it may initially appear daunting, agents’ preparation does not have to be complicated. Changes can be managed efficiently and effectively if the correct management solution is applied now:

1. Use a software solution that is transferrable between both the estate and lettings arms of your agency to ensure that data can be easily managed, accessed and distributed by all employees.

2. Your IT system should be automated to record the validity of existing EPC certificates and provide reminders when existing accreditations are due to be renewed (i.e. gas, electric or PAT certificates etc.) The system should also store electronic copies of these documents and certificates, along with links to their location on the EPC Register website.

3. Implement a good software solution well before you are lumbered with the impending responsibilities associated with the Green Deal, to ensure you can provide the best, most efficient service later in the year and beyond:

• your business will require consultation with an innovative IT provider
• your staff will need time to adjust to any new system that is put in place

For more information, visit the Department for Energy and Climate Change website: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/tackling/green_deal/green_deal.aspx

Comment by: Richard Murray, property specialist and director of Eurolink Technology Ltd, developer and supplier of innovative technology for the property industry.