Commercial EPC

A non-domestic energy performance certificate is sometimes more commonly referred to as a commercial EPC. The certificate is designed to illustrate to prospective buyers or tenants how energy efficient a building is by assigning a rating which is measured on a scale; with A-rated properties representing the most efficient and G-rated the least. Furthermore, the certificate will contain recommendations for cost effective improvements advising how to improve the energy efficiency of the building and reduce fuel bills.

A commercial property is exempt from providing an energy performance certificate if the owner can demonstrate that the building meets any of the following criteria:

• The property is used as a place of worship or any other religious activities.
• The property is a temporary building, which will be used for 2-years or less.
• The property is a detached building with a gross internal floor area of less than 50m2.
• The property is listed or officially protected and alterations to achieve the minimum energy requirements would unacceptably alter it.
• The property is an industrial workshop or non-residential agricultural buildings that does not use much energy.

In addition, a building may also be exempt if all three of the below issues can be evidenced:

• The buyer or tenant has applied for planning permission to demolish the building.
• The property is to be bought or sold with vacant possession; and
• The property is suitable for demolition and the land can be redeveloped.

You can be fined between £500 and £5000 based on the rate-able value of the building if you don’t make an EPC available to any prospective buyer or tenant.

You must display an EPC within a commercial building if all three of the following criteria apply:

• The building is frequently visited by the public.
• The gross useful internal floor area is over 500m²
• An EPC has already been produced for the building sale, rental or construction.

Only a Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA), who is accredited by a government approved accreditation scheme, can lodge a valid Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate. All of our assessors are subject to regular audits by an independent accreditation body, ensuring that their exact professional standards are maintained.

Before marketing a building for sale or rent a person acting on behalf of the seller or landlord (for example, the estate or letting agent) must be satisfied that an EPC has been commissioned for that building. The seller, or landlord, or a person acting on their behalf must use all reasonable efforts to ensure the EPC is obtained within seven days. A further 21 days is allowed if after using all reasonable efforts the EPC cannot be obtained within those seven days.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10-years and can be re-used as many times as required within that period.