A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), also known as a non-domestic EPC, is a legal requirement for most commercial buildings when they are constructed, sold or let. The certificate assesses the building’s energy efficiency rating and must be made available to prospective buyers or tenants.
EPC ratings are also closely linked to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which restrict the letting of commercial properties with poor energy ratings. Clifton Energy provides commercial EPC assessments for offices, retail, industrial and other non-domestic buildings, alongside related compliance services including Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and TM44 air-conditioning inspections.
What is a Commercial EPC
A Commercial EPC provides an asset rating based on the building’s fabric and fixed services, such as heating, ventilation, cooling and lighting, using standardised assumptions rather than how the building is used day-to-day.
Non-domestic EPC ratings range from A (or A+ for some buildings) to G, with A indicating the highest energy efficiency and G the lowest.
Each EPC includes a Recommendation Report outlining potential energy improvements and typical payback periods. While these improvements are not mandatory, they are often used to guide investment decisions and support MEES compliance strategies.
Once completed, the EPC is lodged on the national register and issued digitally and is typically valid for 10 years.
When is it required?
In United Kingdom practice, a commercial EPC is commonly required when you:
- Sell or let commercial premises
- Completion of a new non-domestic building, with the EPC and recommendation report issued to the owner and Building Control notified.
- Modifying a building to create separate occupiable spaces with new or extended heating, air conditioning or ventilation systems.
Contact Clifton Energy Today
For Commercial Energy Performance Certificates and Surveys, contact Clifton Energy today.
Regulations in England and Wales
EPC requirements are governed through the Energy Performance of Buildings framework and MEES applies to qualifying privately rented non-domestic properties.
Regulations in Scotland
EPCs operate under a devolved regime with a separate register and larger non-domestic buildings can be subject to additional “Section 63” duties.
A Scottish policy note explains that the Section 63 instrument introduces requirements for owners of specified existing non-domestic buildings (over 1,000 m²) to undertake an assessment triggered by sale or rental to a new tenant, to record improvement measures and to complete improvement within 42 months (or defer improvement by reporting annual operational ratings).
Regulations in Northern Ireland
EPCs are required when buildings are constructed and before existing buildings are marketed for sale or rent; sellers/landlords are responsible for commissioning EPCs and making them available and EPCs must be produced by accredited assessors using approved software methods.
What happens during a Clifton Energy commercial EPC survey
Clifton Energy delivers commercial EPC assessments through an assessor-led process that combines a detailed site inspection with energy modelling using approved calculation tools.
Pre-Survey Information & Scoping
Before the assessment, we request available building information such as floor plans, HVAC details, lighting specifications and access information. Providing these details helps improve modelling accuracy and reduces reliance on standard assumptions.
On-Site Survey
A qualified accredited energy assessor visits the building to measure dimensions and collect data on the building fabric, lighting systems and HVAC equipment (heating, ventilation and air conditioning).
Energy Modelling & EPC Calculation
The building is modelled using SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) and the National Calculation Methodology (NCM) to calculate the building’s energy performance rating and generate the EPC and Recommendation Report.
Quality Checks & EPC Lodgement
Once calculations are complete, the commercial EPC is lodged on the national EPC register, ensuring it meets regulatory requirements.
EPC & Recommendation Report Issued
You receive a digital copy of the EPC certificate and the Recommendation Report, outlining potential energy efficiency improvements for the building.
FAQs
A commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is usually valid for 10 years. The certificate can be reused during this period for property sales, leases or marketing, although the most recent EPC issued for the building becomes the valid certificate.
In England and Wales, property owners or landlords can face fines between £500 and £5,000 if a commercial EPC is not made available to prospective buyers or tenants when legally required. Missing EPCs can also delay property sales, lettings and compliance with MEES regulations.
Some commercial properties may be exempt from EPC requirements, including certain listed buildings where compliance would alter the character, temporary buildings, low-energy industrial or agricultural buildings and small detached buildings under 50m². Owners must still be able to demonstrate and justify the exemption.
To obtain a commercial EPC, you must arrange an assessment with an accredited energy assessor. The assessor will inspect the building, calculate its energy efficiency rating and lodge the certificate on the national EPC register, after which a digital EPC and recommendation report are issued.
No. A commercial EPC is an asset rating, meaning it is based on the building’s fabric and fixed services such as heating, cooling and lighting under standardised conditions, rather than the actual energy use of the current occupants.
Why choose Clifton Energy
Clifton Energy is an energy consultancy specialising in commercial energy compliance under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations. The company provides commercial EPC assessments, Display Energy Certificates (DECs), TM44 air-conditioning inspections and Part L energy calculations to support property compliance and improve building energy performance.
Assessments are carried out by accredited energy professionals, including qualified Non-Domestic Energy Assessors, Air Conditioning Inspectors and DEC Assessors, ensuring a reliable and fully compliant service.
Clifton Energy works with property owners, managing agents, developers and local authorities, delivering clear reports, practical recommendations and professional support for commercial property portfolios.
For Commercial Energy Performance Certificates and Surveys, contact Clifton Energy today.