Commercial buildings and new homes have become the latest buildings to fall under the Government's energy performance certificate scheme. The next stage in the roll out of the scheme - which aims to improve energy efficiency in UK buildings - came into effect on April 6. All commercial properties being built or put up for rent or sale which have a floor area over 10,000 square metres will now require a certificate rating their energy efficiency and recommending improvements. The Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) now also apply to the construction of all new homes.