Commercial EPCs for Sale, Letting and New Buildings

Commercial EPCs

A commercial EPC rates a non-domestic building's energy efficiency from A+ to G. You need a valid one when a building is sold, let or newly built, and it lasts 10 years. We survey the building, model it and lodge the certificate on the government register.

When you need one

• You are selling or letting a commercial property
• A new building or fit-out is being completed
• The existing EPC has expired and you want to let again
• You want to know where the building stands against the minimum standard

The minimum standard

Rented commercial property in England and Wales has to be rated E or better. This has applied to all existing leases since April 2023.

The government has confirmed that rented commercial buildings over 1,000 m² will need to reach EPC B by 2031. This is not yet law. If your building is rated D or E, see our EPC B upgrade plans and our EPC B by 2031 guide.

• Letting below the minimum standard: a penalty of up to £150,000, based on rateable value
• No valid EPC when selling or letting: £500 to £5,000, based on rateable value

Level 3 and Level 4 buildings

Commercial EPCs are graded by how complex the building is. Level 3 covers simpler buildings with basic heating and lighting. Level 4 covers buildings with more complex heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Behdad is a Level 4 assessor, so we cover both.

How it works

• Send us the address and floor plans. We quote from the size and type of building.
• We survey the building. Construction, glazing, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and hot water.
• We model it and lodge the EPC. You receive the certificate and the recommendation report.

Evidence matters. Where there is no proof of insulation or plant efficiency, the software assumes the worst. Documents showing what is actually installed can improve the rating on their own.

What the recommendation report shows

Every EPC comes with a recommendation report listing the measures that would improve the rating, grouped by payback. It is a useful starting point, but it is generic. For a costed plan to reach a target rating, see our EPC B upgrade plans.

Buildings we cover

Offices, shops, restaurants, warehouses, industrial units, hotels, schools, care homes, medical centres, theatres and mixed-use buildings.

What we need from you

• Floor plans, if you have them
• Access to all areas, including plant rooms
• Manuals or data for heating, cooling and ventilation plant
• Lighting details and any refurbishment records

Price and turnaround

The price depends on size and complexity. Send the floor plans or floor area and we will come back with a free quote. Turnaround: 3 working days for small commercial buildings and 5 for larger ones, from the survey.

Our experience

We have produced more than 2,000 commercial EPCs, from single shops and offices to theatres and multi-site portfolios. We are registered with Elmhurst Energy (assessor number EES/027276).

Questions we get asked

How long does a commercial EPC last?
Ten years.

Are any buildings exempt?
A few, including places of worship, temporary buildings, detached buildings under 50 m², and some industrial buildings with very low energy use.

The rating is poor. Can you help improve it?
Yes. We model the upgrades, cost them and show the payback before you spend anything.

This page is general guidance and not legal advice.

Related: EPC B upgrade plans, SBEM and BRUKL, TM44 inspections, Display Energy Certificates, retrofit projects and solar PV for SAP and SBEM.

Send us the floor plans or floor area by email or WhatsApp and we will come back with a free quote and a turnaround time.