Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Commercial Property EPC Ready

With increasing regulations and sustainability goals, ensuring your commercial property is Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ready is more important than ever. Whether you're looking to meet legal requirements, improve energy efficiency, or increase property value, understanding the EPC process is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing for an EPC assessment, helping you achieve the best possible rating and future-proof your property.

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement for commercial properties in the UK when they are sold, leased, or newly constructed. It rates a building’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and provides recommendations for improvement.

From April 2023, new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) laws mean that landlords cannot let out properties with an E rating or lower without making improvements. With further tightening expected in the coming years, preparing now is essential.

Step 1: Determine If You Need an EPC

Most commercial properties require an EPC, but exemptions may apply, such as:

• Temporary buildings (used for less than 2 years)
• Stand-alone buildings under 50m²
• Places of worship
• Buildings due for demolition

Check with an EPC assessor if you’re unsure about your property’s status.

Step 2: Find an EPC Assessor Near Me

To obtain an EPC, you’ll need a qualified energy assessor to conduct the assessment. You can find one through:

• Essential Green Skills – Our team provides commercial EPC assessments and tailored energy efficiency guidance. Get in touch with us directly to book an assessment and discuss energy-saving solutions for your commercial property.
• The UK Government’s EPC Register – This official database allows you to search for accredited EPC assessors for commercial buildings in your area.

Step 3: Gather Essential Information

Before the commercial EPC assessment, it can be helpful to prepare key details about your property to ensure an accurate evaluation. This includes:

• Building age and construction type – Helps assess thermal performance and insulation quality.
• Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems – Includes details on boilers, air conditioning, and ventilation efficiency.
• Lighting and insulation specifications – Determines energy efficiency based on lighting type and insulation levels.
• Floor plans – Provides a clear layout of the building to aid in accurate assessment.
• Any recent energy efficiency upgrades – Highlight improvements such as LED lighting, double glazing, or renewable energy installations.

Having this information ready can speed up the assessment process and help you achieve the most accurate EPC rating.

Step 4: Improve Your EPC Rating (Before the Inspection)

To achieve a better EPC rating, consider making energy-efficient upgrades before the assessment. Some of the most effective improvements include:

Upgrade Lighting

• Replace old halogen or fluorescent bulbs with LED lighting
• Install motion sensors and timers to reduce wasted energy

Improve Insulation and Glazing

• Upgrade to double or triple glazing to reduce heat loss
• Improve roof, wall, and floor insulation

Upgrade Heating and Cooling Systems

• Replace inefficient boilers and air conditioning units
• Install a modern, energy-efficient HVAC system
• Use smart thermostats to control energy usage

Adopt Renewable Energy

• Solar panels can significantly boost your rating
• Heat pumps provide an eco-friendly heating alternative

Step 5: Prepare for the EPC Assessment

On the day of the assessment, ensure the EPC assessor has unrestricted access to all relevant areas of the building, including:

• Boiler rooms and heating systems
• Loft spaces and insulation areas
• Windows, doors, and ventilation systems
• All occupied and unoccupied spaces, including storage areas

The assessment typically takes a few hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Ensuring clear access to all areas will help the assessor complete the process efficiently.

Step 6: Receive Your EPC Certificate and Next Steps

Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive your EPC rating and report, which includes:

• Your property’s efficiency score (A-G)
• Breakdown of energy consumption
• Recommendations for improvement

If your property scores below an E, you may need to make upgrades before legally renting it out.

Need help with energy efficiency improvements? Essential Green Skills can advise on cost-effective solutions.

Why Preparing for an EPC Matters

• Legal Compliance – Avoid penalties under MEES regulations
• Lower Energy Costs – Reduce bills with energy-efficient solutions
• Increase Property Value – A higher EPC rating makes your property more attractive
• Future-Proof Your Business – Get ahead of tightening government regulations

The sooner you take action, the better your results will be when the EPC rules tighten further in the coming years.

Need Help Getting Your Property EPC Ready?

At Essential Green Skills, we help businesses navigate energy efficiency challenges with expert guidance, training, and solutions.