What is a Commercial EPC?

A commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), officially known as a Non-Domestic EPC, is a legal requirement in the UK that rates a commercial building’s energy efficiency and carbon emissions on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

  • Based on estimated carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
  • Reflects the performance of the building’s fabric, heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation systems.
  • Required by law before the sale or rental of a commercial property.
  • Valid for 10 years unless there are changes to the building, such as changes to the number of parts used for separate occupation or works involving the provision or extension of fixed heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems.
  • Includes recommendations for improvements to reduce costs and carbon footprint.

Who Needs a Commercial EPC?

You will need a valid EPC if you are:

  • Selling a property: An EPC must be available before marketing the property.

  • Renting out a property: Landlords require a valid EPC before letting to new or existing tenants.

  • New constructions: An EPC is required when a building is completed.

  • Making changes: If works involve changes to the building, such as changes to the number of parts used for separate occupation or works involving the provision or extension of fixed heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems, a new EPC may be required.

Exemptions

You do not need a commercial EPC if the building meets any of the following conditions:

  • Listed or officially protected buildings: An EPC may not be required if compliance with minimum energy efficiency standards would unacceptably alter the building’s character or appearance. However, it is usually advisable to commission an EPC to establish the rating and provide evidence of compliance.
  • Certain industrial and agricultural buildings: Exempt if they have no fixed heating, cooling, or mechanical ventilation systems, or if they are open-sided structures that do not meet the definition of a fully enclosed building. In most practical cases, if fixed services are present, an EPC will be required.
  • Temporary buildings intended to be used for 2 years or less.
  • Places of worship or buildings used for other religious activities.
  • Detached buildings under 50m² total floor space (for example, a small stand-alone kiosk or cabin).
  • Buildings that are due to be demolished, where the seller or landlord holds all the necessary planning and conservation consents.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (1st April 2018)

  • Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations require landlords in the UK to meet a minimum EPC rating of E or above before renting out a property.
  • If the property falls below this threshold, landlords must make improvements or register for a valid exemption.
  • The goal of MEES is to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and lower carbon emissions.

EIC can advise on improvements to raise your EPC rating and help you achieve compliance.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to make an EPC available (basic non-compliance):

  • Fine ranges from £500 to £5,000, depending on the property’s rateable value:
  • Rateable value under £50,000 equates to a fine of £500.
  • Rateable value £50,000 or more equates to a fine of £5,000.

If a property is let with an EPC rating below E (and no valid exemption is registered):

  • Breach under 3 months: The greater of £5,000 or 10% of the property’s rateable value, capped at £50,000.
  • Breach of 3 months or more. The greater of £10,000 or 20% of the property’s rateable value, capped at £150,000.

Penalties also apply if EPCs are not displayed in prominent, public-facing commercial buildings.

EIC’s EPC Service Offering

EIC provides a complete EPC service designed for compliance and efficiency. Our process includes:

  • Site Survey: Comprehensive on-site survey to capture essential data.

  • 3D Modelling: Survey data is built into a precise 3D model for accurate EPC calculation.

  • EPC Report Generation: Accredited assessor produces the EPC and recommendation report.

  • Compliance Management: Ongoing expert support for renewals, updates and MEES advice.

Why EIC?

Our team of experts ensures EPC compliance is simple, efficient, and stress-free:

  • Simplify Everything: We manage the full process.
  • Stay Informed: Updates provided on all legislative changes.
  • Boost Energy Efficiency: Actionable recommendations to cut costs and carbon emissions.

Beyond EPCs: Complete Energy Compliance

Commercial EPCs are just one element of your wider energy obligations, and EIC Partnership helps you go further.

We provide renewable energy support, Net Zero and carbon management planning, energy procurement and efficiency optimisation, among other utility management services for businesses.

Our expertise also covers integrated compliance with frameworks such as SECR, TCFD, and ISO certifications.

With EIC, your EPC becomes more than a compliance document – it forms the foundation for smarter energy use, lower costs, and stronger sustainability performance.

Partner with EIC for Stable Energy Costs

Contact us at 0208 836 3535 or submitting the contact form today, and take the first step towards securing your energy costs!

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