It’s your building’s energy report card. An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) provides an indication of the energy performance of your building, in a similar format to the A-G ratings you find on any new household appliance. For commercial buildings, an EPC is required for the following situations;

– When a property is being bought / sold / leased

– On completion of the construction of a new building

– Building owner is applying for a Government subsidy for low or zero carbon technology

– Compliance with the MEES Regulations for Non-Domestic Buildings

– Part of corporate energy strategy

How often do I need an EPC?

As outlined above, you’ll need one if you’re selling, renting, or constructing a commercial property. It’s valid for ten years, but if you make significant changes—like installing a new HVAC system, extending your building or install solar panels, then you’ll want to update it to reflect the upgrades/works undertaken. If you can’t provide an EPC to the buyer or tenant when you are selling or renting out your property, you could be liable to a financial penalty of up to £5,000.

What is involved in an EPC? An EPC must be carried out by an accredited non-domestic energy assessor. They will attend site to asses the construction and fit-out as follows;

– Building construction including walls / roof / windows / floors

– Building usage based on footprint ie office / factory / manufacturing / storage

– Building climate control including heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water systems installed

– Building lighting type & efficiency

This information is then correlated & modelled using the latest software to provide the CO2 rating for the building which will be documented in a report. Based on the inspectors findings, for any building with a sub-standard rating based on the MEES regulations, we will offer advice & recommendations of how your building rating can be improved.

Why is an EPC Important? Beyond just being a legal requirement, an EPC is genuinely useful:

· Compliance: You need an EPC to legally sell or lease a building. You will now be required to have a minimum rating of a ‘C’ on your EPC report by 2030.

· Energy Savings: The recommendations in your EPC can help you cut running costs by improving efficiency.

· Market Appeal: A better energy rating can make your property more attractive to buyers or tenants.

In some cases, a poor EPC rating can limit your options—many tenants are now actively looking for more sustainable spaces, and regulations around Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are tightening.

The Bottom Line

An EPC isn’t just a bureaucratic hoop to jump through—it’s a practical tool that gives you a benchmark of your building’s current energy performance & how it can be improved. Whether you’re looking to cut costs, attract tenants, or simply stay compliant, an EPC is worth taking seriously.

Need an EPC for your property? Get in touch, and we’ll connect you with certified assessors who can make the process simple and straightforward.