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What is a Commercial Energy Performance Certificate?

A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides an energy efficiency rating for commercial properties on a scale from A to G, where A is the most energy-efficient and G the least.

The certificate also includes a recommendation report highlighting energy saving improvements that will improve the EPC rating and reduce the running costs.

A valid Commercial EPC is legally required when selling or leasing commercial properties. It is important that you have this document as you could face fines imposed by Trading Standards, ranging from £200 to £5000, depending on your property’s rateable value.

A commercial epc differs significantly from a domestic epc in that the main rating of the epc is based on the carbon emissions of the building and not it’s running costs, as in a domestic epc. This means that the lower the carbon emissions of the building, then the higher the epc rating.

How much does a Commercial epc cost?

Commercial properties can vary significantly in size and complexity, therefore each building has to be priced and quoted for individually based on the information we have about the building.

Our prices start from £198 and covers such properties as single storey corner shops, food takeways and similar type small retail units with less than 5 rooms. Larger buildings with many rooms, for example, large offices or care homes can cost in excess of a £1,000. If floor plans of the building can be provided we can usually offer a better quote.

The majority of commercial epcs we do have between 10 and 20 rooms for which the average price is £250.

For a firm quotation, either call us free on 0800 046 7345 or fill in our contact form.

The Assessment Process – What’s involved

For all existing buildings, the EPC has to be carried out by a a certified Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) who holds the relevant qualification for your property’s level and is accredited by a government-approved body. This accreditation ensures adherence to the rigorous standards established by the government, guaranteeing an accurate and reliable assessment.

The assessment process itself involves a thorough evaluation of your building’s characteristics and includes such things as the:

• Size and dimensions
• Building fabric construction type
• Levels of insulation
• Type of Heating and Cooling systems and type of controls
• Lighting
• Glazing
• Hot Water
• Any renewables present

The assessor will then enter the data into the software which uses the Simplified Building Energy Model interface (iSBEM) to calculate your EPC rating. We can assist in providing level 3 and level 5 commercial epcs for different property types.

Post-Assessment: Understanding Your EPC Rating

Once the site visit is complete, you’ll receive your EPC certificate, usually in 2 to 3 days.

This rating, categorised on a scale from A to G, provides an assessment of your building’s energy efficiency. ‘A’ represents the highest energy efficiency, while ‘G’ signifies the lowest efficiency.

This rating is calculated based on your building’s carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO₂e), taking into account its energy usage and efficiency.

Improving Your Commercial Building’s EPC Rating

The EPC recomendation report will give you recomendations in ways that you can improve the building’s energy rating.

Numerous methods can be employed to boost your EPC rating, including:

• Optimising lighting for energy efficiency
• Utilising efficient heating
• Installing a hot water heater
• Insulating the walls and roof

These measures will not only improve your EPC rating but also contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient property.

Long-Term Investments for Sustainable Energy Performance

For those ready to make a larger investment, a variety of long-term strategies can elevate your property’s energy performance.

Renewable heating systems, such as solar thermal, commercial wind energy, heat pumps, green roofs, and biomass boilers, are excellent options for commercial buildings.

Retrofitting insulation and installing solar pv in commercial buildings also contributes to improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

While the initial investment for these measures can sometimes be costly, the payback period is usually within 10 years with continued savings thereafter.

Exemptions and Special Cases

The following buildings are exempt from requiring an EPC:

• a temporary building only going to be used for 2 years or less

• used as a place of worship or for other religious activities

• an industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that doesn’t use much energy

• a detached building with a total floor space under 50 square metres

• due to be demolished by the seller or landlord and they have all the relevant planning and conservation consents

Vacant buildings and demolition

A building is also exempt if all of the following are true:

• it’s due to be sold or rented out with vacant possession

• it’s suitable for demolition and the site could be redeveloped

• the buyer or tenant has applied for planning permission to demolish it

There is a common misconception that listed buildings are exempt from requiring a commercial epc. In fact this is not the case.

The official government guidance states that it is only exempt if it “is listed or officially protected and the minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter it”. The key word here is “and”. Therefore, some energy savings recommendations may be suitable for the property, such as for example fitting low energy lights. So to determine what would or would not be suitable, the property would have an EPC survey in the first instance. The subsequent recomendations on the EPC would finally determine if it is not suitable for the property which can then make it exempt from having to reach the minimum energy efficiency standard described below.

Minimum Energy Performance Requirements

Specific energy performance standards for commercial properties have been established by the UK. To meet these standards, your property needs to achieve an EPC rating of band ‘E’ or higher.

The government still propose to raise the minimum energy efficiency standards to a C rating by 2028 for commercial properties.

Non-compliance with these minimum energy performance requirements can result in penalties ranging from £10,000 to £150,000 per breach, depending on your property’s rateable value. As such, understanding and meeting these requirements is essential for any commercial property owner.

Summary

Getting a Commercial EPC is not just a legal requirement, it’s an opportunity to enhance your commercial property’s value, streamline energy consumption, and contribute to a sustainable future. By understanding your EPC rating, choosing the right energy assessor, and implementing both quick wins and long-term investments for energy efficiency, you can unlock your property’s full potential.

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