Frequently Asked Questions

The Energy Act 2011 mandates the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to ensure the implementation of regulations aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings in the non-domestic private rental sector. ​ Consequently, from April 2018, it has been illegal to issue new leases for properties in England and Wales that fail to meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). ​ Since 1st April 2023, these regulations apply to all non-domestic privately rented properties (even if the lease was in effect before the 1st April 2023). Failure to comply may result in substantial penalties.

An onsite non-invasive measured survey is carried out by a qualified Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA). ​ The surveyor will look at the following systems present in the building: ​ Heating System Cooling Systems Ventilation & Extraction Lighting ​ The surveyor will also note the fabric of the building: ​ Wall construction Roof construction Floor construction Window & Glazing Type Age of building The different use (activity) of each area (zones) of the building ​ This data is then entered into approved government SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) software which calculates the carbon emissions of the property compared against a notional building and produces a rating from A+ to G along with a Recommendation Report. "A+" being the most efficient and "G" the least efficient.​

All commercial properties with existing tenants or those about to be rented, must have a commercial EPC rating of at least E.​ Non-compliance may result in financial penalties, which are linked to the rateable value of the property and could potentially reach up to £150,000

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

You can click here to access the government EPC register.

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.

The cost of a Commercial EPC varies depending on the size and complexity of the building. Contact us for a free no obligation quote

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.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years. You will not need a new Commercial EPC for every sale or lease of the property as long as the current EPC is valid and there have been no significant changes to the building.

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, properties that are due to be demolished where all the relevant documents and planning permission exists

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 required in depth modelling software using DSM (Dynamic Simulation Modelling). ​ ​ The difference between the building levels are: ​​​ Level 3 buildings are existing commercial buildings with common characteristics and a simple air-conditioning system. e.g small shops, restaurants ​ Level 4 buildings buildings have uncommon characteristics and will typically have more complex Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Level 4 also covers any new build non-domestic building. e.g large office buildings, large shops ​ Level 5 buildings will have more specific features such as atriums, automatic blind control and complex ventilation. In depth modelling software is required for these buildings in order to determine their energy performance. e.g Airports, Shopping Centres

As of the 1st 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.

Listed buildings are not exempt from an Energy Performance Certificate. ​ Listed buildings will require a commercial EPC, unless the compliance with minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance. ​ To comply with minimum energy performance requirements, some of the recommendations in an EPC report e.g. double glazing, new doors and windows, and external wall insulation could result in unacceptable alterations in some historic buildings. These can include buildings protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historical merit (e.g. 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 would advise that once an EPC has been carried out and the Recommendation Report produced then depending on what is recommended you could seek the advice of the local authority's conservation officer as to whether the 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. ​ For more information on this subject, refer to an article from the leading law firm Mishcon de Reya, available here