Question 1

What is a commercial EPC?

Accepted Answer

A commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legally required document that rates the energy efficiency of a non-domestic property from A+ (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It is required when selling or leasing most commercial buildings in the UK.

Question 2

How can I check if my property has a valid Commercial EPC?

Accepted Answer

You can check if your property has a valid Commercial EPC by accessing the government EPC register.

Question 3

How long will the EPC survey take?

Accepted Answer

The survey will typically take between 1 to 2 hours for an average size building. Large complex building may take considerably longer.

Question 4

When will I receive the EPC certificate?

Accepted Answer

We aim to have the EPC certificate ready to be lodged on the EPC register within 48 hours after the survey has been completed. Most EPCs will be ready the next day and if urgent it may be possible to have it ready the same day.

Question 5

Are Listed Buildings exempt?

Accepted Answer

Listed buildings are not exempt from an Energy Performance Certificate. Listed buildings will require a commercial EPC, unless compliance with minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance. Some recommendations (e.g. double glazing, new doors and windows, external wall insulation) could result in unacceptable alterations for certain historic buildings (including listed buildings or buildings within a conservation area). In these cases an EPC would not be required. Unfortunately, you would not know what recommendations are required unless an EPC is carried out in the first place. We advise that once an EPC has been carried out and the Recommendation Report produced, you can seek advice from the local authority's conservation officer on whether alterations would be acceptable. Improving the energy rating of a listed building can still be achieved through internal alterations that do not affect its character or appearance, such as upgrading lighting, heating, ventilation, and internal insulation.

Question 6

Can you carry out EPCs on residential properties?

Accepted Answer

We only conduct Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for non-domestic properties, unless the only access to the residential property is through the commercial portion of the building. In such cases, the residential section of the building can be included in the non-domestic EPC, even if the local authority has classified it as domestic. For instance, if there’s a flat above a pub, and the only way to access the flat is through the pub itself.

Question 7

Do I need a Commercial EPC?

Accepted Answer

As of 1 April 2023, any privately rented commercial property, regardless of whether the lease was in effect before that date, will need a commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Any commercial property that is to be sold or rented must have a valid commercial EPC lodged with the non-domestic EPC register. Not having a valid commercial EPC can prevent the sale or rental of your property.

Question 8

How much does a Commercial EPC cost?

Accepted Answer

Commercial EPC costs vary depending on the size, layout and complexity of the building (for example, a small retail unit typically costs less than a large warehouse or multi-storey office). Contact us for a fast, competitive quote.

Question 9

What is the minimum EPC rating for commercial property?

Accepted Answer

Under Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), most commercial properties generally need an EPC rating of at least E to be legally let. Properties rated F or G may require improvement works or a registered exemption (where applicable).

Question 10

Are any properties exempt from a Commercial EPC?

Accepted Answer

Properties that do not require a commercial EPC under current regulations are: standalone buildings under 50m2; places of worship; temporary buildings that will be used for less than two years; an industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that doesn’t use much energy; properties to be demolished, including properties that are due to be demolished where all the relevant documents and planning permission exists.

Question 11

Implications of not meeting MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)

Accepted Answer

The valuations of properties not meeting the standards are likely to be affected, as their marketability will be diminished. Rent reviews on F and G rated properties may be adversely affected. There may be implications for dilapidation assessments, where landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure the property is maintained to the standard agreed in the contract. Lenders may refuse to lend against a property that has not met the minimum standards as they will not be able to let them if they inherit the property.

Question 12

How is a Commercial EPC calculated?

Accepted Answer

A qualified Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) conducts an onsite, non-invasive survey. They examine the building's heating, cooling, ventilation, extraction systems, and lighting. They also assess the building's fabric, including wall, roof, and floor construction, window and glazing type, age, and the different uses of each area. This data is entered into the government's SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) software, which calculates the building's carbon emissions compared to a notional building, resulting in a rating from A+ (most efficient) to G (least efficient), along with a Recommendation Report.

Question 13

What is the difference between a Level 3, 4 or 5 Building?

Accepted Answer

For commercial EPC purposes, buildings are graded level 3, 4 and 5. We are able to carry out commercial EPCs on any level 3 or 4 building. A level 5 building requires in depth modelling software using DSM (Dynamic Simulation Modelling). Level 3 buildings are existing commercial buildings with common characteristics and a simple air-conditioning system (e.g. small shops, restaurants). Level 4 buildings have uncommon characteristics and will typically have more complex HVAC systems, and include any new build non-domestic building (e.g. large office buildings, large shops). Level 5 buildings have more specific features such as atriums, automatic blind control and complex ventilation; in depth modelling software is required (e.g. airports, shopping centres).

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Commercial EPC FAQs
Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial EPCs

What is a commercial EPC?

How can I check if my property has a valid Commercial EPC?

How long will the EPC survey take?

When will I receive the EPC certificate?

Are Listed Buildings exempt?

Can you carry out EPCs on residential properties?

Do I need a Commercial EPC?

How much does a Commercial EPC cost?

What is the minimum EPC rating for commercial property?

Are any properties exempt from a Commercial EPC?

Implications of not meeting MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)

How is a Commercial EPC calculated?

What is the difference between a Level 3, 4 or 5 Building?

Get Your Commercial EPC Quote Today!

Contact us now for a fast competitive quote
for your Commercial EPC requirements

Commercial EPC FAQs Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial EPCs

What is a commercial EPC?

How can I check if my property has a valid Commercial EPC?

How long will the EPC survey take?

When will I receive the EPC certificate?

Are Listed Buildings exempt?

Can you carry out EPCs on residential properties?

Do I need a Commercial EPC?

How much does a Commercial EPC cost?

What is the minimum EPC rating for commercial property?

Are any properties exempt from a Commercial EPC?

Implications of not meeting MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)

How is a Commercial EPC calculated?

What is the difference between a Level 3, 4 or 5 Building?

Get Your Commercial EPC Quote Today!

Contact us now for a fast competitive quote for your Commercial EPC requirements

Commercial EPC FAQs
Your Questions Answered

Contact us now for a fast competitive quote
for your Commercial EPC requirements