With accredited assessors based in Scotland, ACI Reports can assist building owners in producing a Section 63 Action Plan.
We will consult, analyse, and deliver a speedy, low-cost solution, offering professional advice to ensure compliance and avoid fines.
As part of their commitment to tackling climate change, the Scottish Government aims to achieve an 80% decrease in Scotland’s emissions by 2050. Consequently, they have introduced the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, whereby Section 63 specifies the assessment and improvement of the energy performance of non-domestic buildings.
The need for a Section 63 is triggered after the lease or sale of a non-domestic building over 1,000 square metres. As of 1st September 2016, the regulations require owners to:
- Assess the energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions of their existing non-domestic buildings
- Produce an Action Plan demonstrating the necessary steps for improvement
- Implement these changes to improve the overall energy performance of their buildings
ACI Reports Section 63 Assessors
ACI Reports is a professional building compliance consultancy with experience working in Scotland and under Scottish legislation. At the core of our Section 63 services, we aim to make the most of a good EPC rating to avoid a Section 63 where legally possible. When Section 63 is required, we strive to deliver the most efficient, low-cost options for compliance.
Our Section 63 assessors can work closely with clients to produce an achievable Action Plan and advise on the measures that should be taken to meet identified targets. Our specialists are all qualified EPC assessors able to provide building-specific guidance on effective energy efficiency improvements.
Section 63 Action Plan Scotland
Under Section 63 regulations, building owners are legally obligated to improve the energy performance of their non-domestic buildings within 42 months. This process involves the production of an appropriate Action Plan. Failure to provide an Action Plan or undertake improvements can result in costly penalties and delay the sale or rent of a property.
A Section 63 Action Plan must be available to prospective buyers or tenants of the property. A satisfactory Action Plan will identify opportunities for carbon and energy performance improvements and how they should be carried out. The two types of Section 63 Action Plans are Prescribed Measures and Alternative Measures.
Prescribed Measures Action Plan
The Prescribed Measures Action Plan includes a list of 7 specific improvements suggested by the Scottish Government.
- Replace low-efficiency incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent lighting
- Replace boilers older than 15 years
- Insulate hot water storage cylinders
- Insulate accessible roof space
- Add central time heating control to HVAC systems
- Upgrade to draught-stripping windows & doors
- Upgrade lighting controls to manual & photoelectric switching
These improvements do not consider individual requirements and the feasibility of implementing these changes per the building type and owner’s budget. In this case, an Alternative Action Plan will offer a more tailored and flexible approach to ensure the building can achieve its target rating.
Who Needs a Section 63 Action Plan Scotland?
Section 63 regulations apply after the sale and lease of non-domestic buildings over 1,000 square metres. However, some buildings are exempt from requiring a Section 63 Action Plan and only require an EPC. These include:
- Properties that already meet or exceed relevant energy standards
- Buildings with a floor area of less than 1,000 square metres
- Buildings participating in the Green Deal scheme
- Prisons & young offender institutions
- Temporary buildings with an intended life of up to 2 years
If you think you need to demonstrate Section 63 compliance either for yourself or on behalf of a client, ACI Reports has a team of accredited assessors ready and available in Scotland. We will work with you to produce the right Action Plan for your project, in the most timely and cost-effective manner.
ACI Reports has a team of experienced Section 63 assessors ready to assist your next project. Get in touch for a quotation!