Why are these regulations required?

The Government was obliged under an EU Directive to introduce a system of measuring energy efficiency of all non domestic; buildings by 1 January 2009. The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates & Inspections) (England & Wales) Regulations 2007 produced new regulations requiring certain buildings to have Energy Performance Certificates or Display Energy Certificates. Since 4th January 2009 virtually all commercial properties require an EPC when they are built, sold or let. The EPC must be available when they are first placed on the market.