A Guide to Commercial EPCs for Your Business

18th January 2025

In today’s business landscape, energy efficiency and sustainability are more than just trends, they are legal and ethical necessities. Whether you are selling, renting, or managing commercial property, understanding Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) is essential. At Essential Green Skills, we specialise in helping businesses meet their energy efficiency goals by offering expert advice and competitive quotes for all your EPC-related needs.

Below, we address the most frequently asked questions about EPCs for commercial properties and how to prepare for future changes.

Energy Performance Certificates for Your Business Premises

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) evaluates the energy efficiency of your business premises. The certificate rates the property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and offers actionable recommendations to improve its energy performance.

For commercial properties, EPCs are required when selling, renting, or constructing a building. The certificates are logged in the Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate Register, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders.

At Essential Green Skills, we offer competitive quotes for EPCs, ensuring you meet your compliance requirements quickly and cost-effectively.

Now, let’s explore the key questions surrounding EPCs for commercial properties.

When you need an EPC

You need an energy performance certificate commercial in the following scenarios:

Selling or leasing a commercial property.
Constructing a new building.
Making significant modifications that affect energy usage, such as adding HVAC systems.

Without a valid EPC, it is illegal to sell or market a property. At Essential Green Skills, we can arrange an EPC assessment to ensure compliance and keep your transactions running smoothly.

What are the EPC rules for commercial property?

The EPC rules for commercial properties in the UK are governed by Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). These regulations currently require commercial properties to have an EPC rating of E or above for rental or sale.

Failure to meet this standard can result in fines ranging from £500 to £5,000, depending on the property size. At Essential Green Skills, we can guide you through the process and help you improve your EPC rating if needed.

What are the EPC requirements for commercial properties in 2025?

All leased commercial properties in the UK must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If an existing lease has an expired EPC, property owners will need to apply for a new one to ensure compliance with the updated regulations.

This change is part of a phased plan to improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings:

By April 2027: All commercial properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C.
By April 2030: The minimum EPC rating will increase to B.

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines of up to £150,000, creating a strong incentive for property owners to act early.

Property owners should act now to make the necessary changes, benefiting both their business and the environment. If you’re unsure how these changes will affect you or would like to explore energy efficiency solutions, Essential Green Skills can help. We offer commercial EPC assessments and competitive quotes for energy-efficient upgrades to ensure compliance and improve the sustainability of your property.

What is the difference between residential and commercial EPC?

While both residential and commercial EPCs evaluate energy efficiency, the scope and methodology differ:

Residential EPCs focus on energy use and CO2 emissions related to heating, lighting, and hot water.
Commercial EPCs, or energy certificate commercial, evaluate complex systems like HVAC, lighting, and energy-intensive operations.

Additionally, many commercial properties must undergo TM44 inspections for air conditioning systems over 12kW to ensure compliance. At Essential Green Skills, we provide quotes for EPCs and TM44 inspections to ensure your property is fully compliant.

How much should a commercial EPC cost?

The cost of a commercial EPC varies depending on the size, complexity, and location of the property. Prices typically range from £150 to £1,500:

Smaller properties with simple energy systems cost less.
Larger properties with extensive systems, such as offices with HVAC, will fall on the higher end of the scale.

At Essential Green Skills, we offer competitive quotes for EPCs, ensuring you get a fair price from accredited energy assessors. Contact us today for a personalised quote.

Can you market a commercial property without an EPC?

No, it is illegal to market a commercial property without a valid EPC. Landlords and sellers must include the EPC rating in all advertisements and provide the certificate to potential buyers or tenants.

Failure to comply can result in fines and disrupt the sale or rental process. Let Essential Green Skills help you secure your EPC to avoid any delays or penalties.

What are the EPC changes for April 2025?

There are no new minimum EPC rating requirements coming into force in April 2025, but it is an important date for landlords of leased commercial properties to ensure compliance with existing regulations and prepare for upcoming changes. Here's what you need to know:

All Leased Properties Must Have a Valid EPC
By April 2025, landlords must ensure that all leased commercial properties have an active and valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If a property's EPC has expired, a new one must be obtained, even if the lease remains unchanged.
No Change in Minimum Rating Yet
The current minimum EPC rating of E will still apply in 2025. Properties with a rating below E cannot be legally leased. The next increase in minimum EPC rating (to C) will come into effect in April 2027.
Prepare for Future Changes
Although 2025 does not introduce stricter ratings, it is a critical year to assess your property's energy performance and start preparing for the upcoming deadlines:
- April 2027: All leased commercial properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C.
- April 2030: The minimum EPC rating will rise further to B.
Take Action Now
Landlords with properties rated D, E, F, or G should use this time to implement energy efficiency improvements. This could include upgrading insulation, replacing inefficient lighting, servicing HVAC systems, or installing renewable energy solutions to ensure compliance with the stricter 2027 requirements.
Avoid Penalties
Non-compliance with EPC regulations can result in fines of up to £150,000, making it essential to act proactively.

In summary, while April 2025 does not introduce new rating thresholds, it serves as a key milestone to ensure all leased properties are covered by valid EPCs and to begin preparations for future regulations. For expert guidance, EPC assessments, or energy efficiency upgrades, contact Essential Green Skills today.

How can I improve my EPC rating on my commercial property?

Improving your EPC rating is essential for compliance and operational cost savings. Here’s how you can enhance your energy performance certificate commercial rating:

Upgrade Lighting Systems
Replace traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED systems.
Improve Insulation
Invest in wall, roof, and floor insulation to reduce heat loss.
Upgrade HVAC Systems
Regular maintenance or replacing outdated HVAC systems can improve energy efficiency. Ensure compliance with TM44 inspections for air conditioning systems.
Add Renewable Energy Solutions
Solar panels or heat pumps can reduce energy reliance and improve your rating.
Implement Smart Energy Management Systems
Use smart meters and automated controls to monitor and optimize energy usage.

At Essential Green Skills, we can provide tailored advice and competitive quotes to help you implement these improvements.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing EPC requirements for commercial properties is vital for landlords, tenants, and property managers, especially with the April 2027 changes fast approaching. At Essential Green Skills, we provide expert guidance, EPC assessments, and competitive quotes to help you achieve compliance and improve your property’s energy efficiency.