A commercial EPC assessment considers the energy performance of non-domestic premises. The building’s use, layout and available technical information help define the assessment.
A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate assesses the energy performance of a non-domestic building, such as an office, shop or business unit. It helps owners and occupiers understand the building’s calculated performance and provides recommendations. Commercial assessment uses a different methodology from a domestic EPC, reflecting the activities, systems and zones within the premises.
The assessment considers building fabric, glazing, lighting, heating, cooling, hot water and ventilation within the relevant scope. Commercial EPCs have an A+ to G scale based on a calculated emissions indicator; domestic score boundaries do not apply. A building with several uses or complex air-conditioning may need a different assessment level from a simple shop.
Commercial owners, landlords, agents and developers may need an EPC when constructing, selling or letting premises. Whether a whole building or a particular unit needs assessment depends on how it is divided and serviced. Tell us whether the space is self-contained, shares heating with other units or forms part of a mixed-use building.
Provide the address, approximate floor area, use of the premises and any floor plans. Gather details of heating and cooling equipment, lighting specifications and previous certificates where available. Arrange access to relevant rooms and plant areas with a person who knows the building. This helps identify the correct scope before the visit.
The completed assessment provides an EPC and recommendations for the assessed premises. Read the certificate alongside any planned fit-out or refurbishment: changes to lighting or building services can affect performance. A recommendation report is a starting point for evaluating upgrades, not a detailed design or an installation quotation.
Tell us the details relevant to your property.
No. Commercial and domestic EPCs use different assessment methods and score scales. An identical letter does not mean the calculations are interchangeable.
Equipment records and building information are more relevant to an EPC. Bills may be useful for separate operational energy consultancy, which looks at actual consumption.
Vacancy alone does not determine the requirement. The transaction, building type, services and any applicable exemption must be considered.
Floor area, building use, zoning, system complexity, available plans and access all affect the work. Send these details through the commercial quote form.
Further reading: GOV.UK: EPCs for non-dwellings.