Commercial EPCs
For offices, retail, industrial units and other commercial premises.
- Fast booking across Yorkshire
- Qualified assessors & engineers
- Certificates delivered digitially
What is a Commercial EPC?
A commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legally required document for all non-domestic buildings in the UK, regardless of their size or intended use. Without a valid EPC, a property cannot be sold or rented, and failure to comply with current regulations may lead to restrictions, financial penalties, or fines of up to £150,000.
The EPC provides a standardised assessment of a building’s energy efficiency, grading it on a scale from A (or A+) at the top end, to G at the lowest. In addition to the rating, the report includes practical recommendations to help improve performance, reduce energy consumption, and lower carbon emissions.
Implementing these improvements can make a property more attractive to prospective tenants or buyers by reducing running costs and improving sustainability credentials. As a result, this can increase demand and potentially enhance the overall value of the asset, supporting stronger rental income or sale prices.
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), commercial properties must currently achieve a minimum rating of ‘E’. This requirement is due to become more stringent, rising to a ‘C’ rating by 2028 and a ‘B’ rating by 2030.
Once issued, a commercial EPC remains valid for 10 years.
When is a Commercial EPC required?
A commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required whenever a non-domestic property is built, sold, or let in the UK. This means that if you are marketing a commercial premises for sale or rent, a valid EPC must be in place before the property is made available to prospective buyers or tenants.
The certificate provides transparency on the building’s energy performance, allowing occupiers to understand likely running costs and environmental impact before committing to a transaction.
EPCs are also necessary when a building is newly constructed or has undergone significant modifications that affect its energy performance. For landlords and vendors, ensuring compliance is essential, as a property cannot legally be sold or leased without a valid EPC. In addition, under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), properties must meet the required minimum rating before they can be let, making it important to review and, where necessary, improve energy performance ahead of marketing to avoid delays or restrictions.
What are the different types of Commercial EPC?
Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are divided into three levels, depending on the complexity of the building and its systems. Each level reflects the type of assessment required to accurately measure energy performance.
Level 3:
Suitable for simpler commercial buildings with standard layouts and basic systems, such as small shops, cafés, or restaurants.
Level 4:
Covers more sophisticated properties, including larger offices, retail units, or new-build developments with more advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Level 5:
Applies to the most complex buildings, such as those with features like atriums or automated shading systems. These require detailed modelling using advanced simulation software.
MEES UPDATE:
Proposed higher minimum EPC ratings (commercial rentals)
Under the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), all non-domestic rented properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of E, unless a valid exemption has been registered. This requirement applies to landlords across the commercial property sector and must be met before a property can be legally let.
Looking ahead, proposed changes outlined in government consultation documents suggest a tightening of these standards. From 1 April 2027, properties may be required to meet a minimum EPC rating of C, followed by a further increase to a B rating from 1 April 2030. Where these standards cannot be met, a valid exemption would need to be registered to remain compliant.
These are proposals set out in consultation documents and may change — we’ll advise the latest position when you enquire.
What the assessment involves
A commercial EPC assessment involves a detailed review of a building’s key energy-related systems and overall construction. The assessor evaluates how energy is used throughout the property, focusing on areas that impact efficiency, performance, and running costs.
The following elements are typically considered as part of the assessment:
- Lighting systems – type, efficiency, and controls (e.g. LED, occupancy sensors)
- Heating systems – boilers, heat pumps, radiators, and overall efficiency
- Cooling and ventilation – air conditioning systems, airflow, and mechanical ventilation
- Zoning – how the building is divided into different areas for heating and cooling control
- Controls – thermostats, timers, and building management systems (BMS)
- Building fabric – walls, roof, floors, insulation levels, and thermal performance
- Glazing – window type, glazing specification, and heat retention
- Air tightness – how well the building retains heat and prevents drafts
- Hot water systems – efficiency and method of water heating
- Renewable technologies – presence of solar panels or other low-carbon energy sources
Why do I need a qualified commercial EPC Assessor?
A valid commercial EPC can only be issued by an accredited energy assessor using government-approved software, making it essential to appoint a properly qualified professional. For landlords, investors, and developers, working with an experienced Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) ensures that both compliance and performance are handled correctly across a wide range of property types, from offices and retail units to industrial and healthcare buildings.
Beyond simply producing the certificate, a skilled assessor will carry out a detailed evaluation of the building’s energy use and carbon emissions. This provides valuable insight into how the property is performing and highlights practical opportunities to reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and improve overall efficiency.
An experienced commercial EPC assessor will also have a strong understanding of current building regulations and energy-saving measures. This expertise allows them not only to deliver an accurate rating, but also to advise on suitable improvements and, where needed, support wider sustainability strategies and building services solutions.
HOW IT WORKS
- Request Quote / Book
- We Visit and Access / Test
- Certificate is Sent to You
Commercial EPC FAQs
The main purpose is to inform owners, buyers, and tenants about the energy efficiency of a property and ways to improve it.
It mainly considers energy used for heating, hot water, lighting, and insulation performance of the building.
An EPC includes:
The current energy efficiency rating
The potential rating if improvements are made
Estimated energy costs
Recommendations for improving energy efficiency
A rental property must normally have a minimum rating of E to be legally let.
An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued.
It all depends on our current workload and your location, the best thing to do is get in touch ASAP with your details.
Improve insulation in walls and roofs to reduce heat loss
Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting (e.g. LED systems)
Install high-performance double glazing to improve thermal efficiency
Replace or upgrade heating systems for better energy use
Consider switching from gas boilers to electric heat pumps for significantly higher efficiency
WHY CHOOSE US?
GET A QUOTE
Fill in the form below and we will get in touch.
An EPC is legally required in the UK when selling, renting out, or constructing a home.
You need a Non-Domestic EPC in order to build, sell or let a non-domestic property.
Ensures gas appliances & electrics are safe and do not pose risks.
Plan the right energy-efficiency improvements for your home with a whole-house assessment.