Commercial EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) are a legal requirement for most non domestic properties in the UK. Whether you are a landlord, investor, property manager or occupier, understanding commercial EPC requirements is critical to staying compliant, protecting asset value, and preparing for future regulation.
Commercial EPC obligations vary depending on the building, how it is used, and its energy efficiency. These factors determine where the property sits on the commercial EPC rating scale and whether it can be legally let or sold.
This video explains how Commercial Energy Performance Certificates provide valuable insight into how a non‑domestic building is designed to perform. It highlights how business EPCs support better asset planning, help organisations understand efficiency risks, and inform investment decisions by identifying opportunities to improve building performance, reduce energy demand, and strengthen long‑term sustainability outcomes.
What Is a Commercial EPC?
A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures the energy efficiency of a non‑domestic building. It assesses how much energy the property uses and how much carbon dioxide it produces under normal operating conditions.
A commercial EPC assessment considers:
- Building fabric and insulation
- Heating, cooling and ventilation systems
- Lighting efficiency and controls
- Size, layout, and construction type.
Each property is issued with an EPC rating from A to G, where:
- EPC Rating A indicates excellent energy performance
- EPC Rating G represents very poor efficiency.
The commercial EPC certificate also includes a recommendation report, setting out cost‑effective steps to improve the building’s energy performance and reduce running costs.
Understanding the commercial EPC requirements is essential for organisations responsible for selling, letting or managing non‑domestic buildings in the UK.
Why Commercial EPCs Matter
Commercial EPCs are no longer just an administrative requirement they are central to the UK’s carbon reduction strategy.
The government has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with commercial buildings identified as a priority sector. As part of this strategy:
- The majority of non‑residential buildings are expected to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2027
- A longer‑term ambition is to raise this to B by 2030.
While further consultation is ongoing, the direction is clear: poorly performing commercial properties will become increasingly difficult and eventually illegal to let.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and Commercial EPCs
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) apply to commercial properties in England and Wales. These regulations set the minimum EPC rating a building must achieve before it can be legally rented.
What Is the Minimum EPC Rating for Commercial Property?
Currently, commercial EPC ratings range from A (best) to G (worst).
- Since 1 April 2023, it has been unlawful to continue letting a commercial property with an EPC rating of F or G, unless a valid exemption applies.
- All existing commercial leases must now comply with a minimum EPC rating of E.
Landlords with sub‑standard buildings must carry out all feasible and cost‑effective energy efficiency improvements required under MEES.
Letting a commercial property with an EPC rating of F or G is now illegal in most circumstances.
Where Do I Find an Existing EPC Rating?
To find and existing EPC rating for a property search its post code on the following sites:
Property in England, Wales and Northern Ireland:
Property in Scotland:
Commercial EPCs and Future‑Proofing Your Property Portfolio
With tighter regulation expected, commercial property owners who address EPC performance early will benefit from:
- Reduced compliance risk
- Lower energy costs
- Improved asset value
- Stronger tenant appeal
- Alignment with sustainability and ESG goals.
How TEAM Energy Supports Commercial EPC Compliance
TEAM Energy provides end‑to‑end commercial EPC services, delivered by accredited commercial EPC assessors experienced across complex commercial portfolios.
Our services include:
- Level 3, 4 and 5 commercial EPC assessments
- A site survey and data gathering
- 3D modelling and data input using Government-approved software
- A calculation of the building Energy Performance Asset Rating
- Commercial EPC recommendation reports
- Commercial EPC lodgement on the government register
- MEES compliance support
- Ongoing energy and carbon management advice.
If you want to ensure your commercial properties remain compliant now and, in the future, our certified Commercial EPC assessors can help.
Related Services
Get in contact for a free commercial EPC quote
Understanding a Commercial EPC
Commercial EPCs act as a guide to let potential buyers or tenants know how costly a property will be to heat and light, and what its carbon dioxide emissions are likely to be. A Commercial EPC will also state what the energy-efficiency rating would be if it was newly built or typical of the existing buildings, plus highlights cost-effective ways to achieve a better rating.
To understand how Commercial Energy Performance Certificates work in real world estates, read our guide on Commercial Energy Performance Certificates in practice.
Even if you rent your building, some improvements noted on the Commercial EPC Report may need to be implemented, such as switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs, to comply with regulations on the minimum EPC rating.
If you have ever wondered what information is included in a Commercial Energy Performance Certificate, this guide explains each EPC report component and its purpose.
Commercial EPC Frequently Asked Questions
Improving a commercial EPC rating typically involves a combination of physical upgrades, better controls, and energy management measures. Common improvements include:
Energy‑Efficient Lighting
Replacing outdated lighting with LED systems and installing occupancy sensors delivers fast EPC gains.
Insulation Improvements
Upgrading roof, wall, and floor insulation reduces heat loss and improves thermal efficiency.
Windows and Doors
Double or triple glazing lowers heat transfer and improves building fabric performance.
Heating and Cooling Upgrades
Modern, well‑maintained HVAC systems significantly improve commercial EPC scores and reduce operating costs.
Renewable Energy
On‑site technologies such as solar PV can positively impact a commercial EPC rating.
Air Tightness and Draught Control
Sealing gaps in the building envelope reduces wasted energy and improves comfort.
Building Management Systems (BMS)
A BMS allows intelligent control of heating, lighting, and cooling based on occupancy and usage.
Energy Monitoring and Behavioural Change
Monitoring energy data and engaging occupants supports sustained improvements and compliance.
A commercial EPC is legally required if you are:
- Selling a commercial property
- Letting or leasing non‑domestic premises
- Constructing a new commercial building
The EPC must be available at the point of marketing and provided to prospective buyers or tenants.
- Temporary buildings only going to be used for 2 years or less
- Places of worship or for other religious activities
- Unheated Industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building.
- Detached buildings with a total floor space under 50 square metres
- Buildings due to be demolished with all the relevant planning and conservation consents
The owner or landlord of a property for sale or let can be fined between £500 and £5,000 for failing to make an EPC available to any prospective buyer or tenant.
Local Authorities are the “enforcement authority” and will be responsible for enforcing compliance with the EPCs, DECs and Air Conditioning Inspections.
An EPC rating assesses the energy efficiency of a building, with ‘A’ being the most efficient and ‘G’ the least.
An EPC rating is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. After this period, a new assessment is required if the property is to be sold, rented, or built.
It is based on factors like the building’s size, layout, construction, heating, lighting, and insulation.
In England and Wales, the minimum EPC rating for a rental property is ‘E’, unless an exemption applies.
It includes:
- Energy Efficiency Rating: A rating from ‘A’ (most efficient) to ‘G’ (least efficient), similar to labels on appliances.
- Recommendations: Suggestions on how to improve the building’s energy efficiency.
- Estimated Energy Costs: An estimate of the building’s energy costs, considering its current efficiency.
The EPC report is produced after an accredited energy assessor inspects the property.
If a property does not meet the minimum standard, it cannot be rented out until improvements are made to achieve an ‘E’ rating or higher.
Steps will need to be taken to improve the reported rating:
Seek Professional Advice: If you are unsure about how to proceed, consider consulting with a professional energy assessor or a sustainability consultant to guide you through the process.
Review the EPC Report: The Energy Performance Certificate report will include recommendations for improving building’s energy efficiency. These could range from simple measures like switching to LED lighting to more complex changes such as upgrading the heating system.
Implement Improvements: Carry out the recommended improvements to increase the building’s energy efficiency.
Reassess the Property: After making improvements, have the property reassessed to obtain a new EPC rating.
Understand Legal Requirements: Be aware of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) which, as of April 2018, make it unlawful to rent out a property with an EPC rating below ‘E’.
Plan for Future Regulations: By 2030, all non-domestic rented buildings must have improved to an EPC rating of ‘B’ or above, or have registered a valid exemption. It’s important to plan for these future standards to avoid potential penalties.
Failing to comply with MEES can result in financial penalties, so it is crucial to address any issues with building’s energy performance.
To conduct commercial Energy Performance Certifications (EPCs), an accredited energy assessor needs to have specific qualifications and accreditation from recognised bodies this involves:
Training: Completing relevant training courses in energy assessment.
Qualifications: Holding a Level 4 or 5 qualification in Energy Assessment.
Accreditation: Gaining accreditation from professional bodies such as Stroma, Elmhurst, ECMK, or Quidos.
These requirements ensure that assessors have the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately evaluate the energy performance of commercial buildings and issue EPCs
The cost of a commercial EPC depends on several factors, including:
- Building size and complexity
- Property type and use
- Location
- Level of assessment required
Choosing an experienced commercial EPC assessor ensures accurate ratings, compliant lodgement, and credible improvement advice which can be crucial for MEES compliance.