EPCs for Commercial Properties

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement when selling, letting, or marketing a commercial property. This applies to most non-domestic buildings, including offices, shops, industrial units and mixed-use premises.

Commercial EPCs differ from domestic certificates and are assessed using different methodologies. They provide building owners, landlords and tenants with a clear indication of a property’s energy efficiency, alongside practical recommendations for improvement. For landlords, EPC compliance also links directly to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

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When a Commercial EPC Is Required

A commercial EPC is required when:

Selling a commercial building
Letting or re-letting commercial premises
Marketing a property for sale or lease

The EPC must be available at the point of marketing and provided to prospective buyers or tenants.

Commercial EPC Ratings and Compliance

Commercial EPCs include:

An energy efficiency rating
A recommendations report
Guidance on improving building performance

Most commercial properties must meet minimum energy efficiency standards to be legally let. Properties that fall below the required rating may require improvement works or a registered exemption.

Types of Commercial Properties Covered

We regularly assess:

Shops and retail units
Offices
Industrial and warehouse buildings
Mixed-use commercial premises

Commercial EPC FAQs

<section class="faq">
  <details>
    <summary>Do commercial EPCs have the same rules as domestic EPCs?</summary>
    <p>No. Commercial EPCs use a different assessment method and apply to non-domestic buildings such as offices, shops and warehouses.</p>
  </details>

  <details>
    <summary>How long is a commercial EPC valid?</summary>
    <p>A commercial EPC is valid for 10 years, unless significant changes are made to the building that could affect its energy performance.</p>
  </details>

  <details>
    <summary>Is an EPC required to market a commercial property?</summary>
    <p>Yes. A valid EPC must be in place before a commercial property is marketed for sale or lease.</p>
  </details>

  <details>
    <summary>What happens if my commercial property has a low EPC rating?</summary>
    <p>Properties below the minimum standard may need improvement works before they can be legally let, unless a valid exemption applies. Currently the minimum rating is an E, and expected that this will increase to a C as soon as 2027 or 2028.</p>
  </details>

  <details>
    <summary>Do tenants need access to the EPC?</summary>
    <p>Yes. The EPC must be made available to prospective tenants and purchasers as part of the marketing process.</p>
  </details>

  <details>
    <summary>Should I get an EPC before buying a commercial building?</summary>
    <p>Yes. An EPC can highlight compliance issues early and help assess potential upgrade costs before purchase.</p>
  </details>
</section>