What is a Non-Domestic EPC?
A Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) displays the energy performance of a commercial building on an A+ to G scale (A+ indicating net zero and G being the worst performing).
The rating is based on the estimated carbon emissions of the building, unlike EPCs for existing dwellings which are based on a property’s estimated running costs.
In addition to this, the EPC document will also show:
✅ a breakdown of a property’s energy performance
✅ recommendations for improvements (available as a separate document)
| You can find a property’s EPC by searching its postcode on the following sites:Property in England, Wales or NI: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate Property in Scotland: https://www.scottishepcregister.org.uk/ |
Regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
You need a Non-Domestic EPC in order to build, sell or let a non-domestic property.
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) require landlords in the private rented sector to have an EPC with an E rating or higher before they can issue a new lease for a property.
A new EPC is not required every time a property is let or sold provided it is no more than 10 years old.
How to read an EPC
The first section of a commercial EPC will display the property’s energy rating, address, certificate number and the date which it is valid until.
Further down it will display the energy rating and score. The score is based on a numerical scale of 0-150, where less than 0 is indicative of net zero and 150+ being the worst performing.
Guidance on how to improve the property can be found in the recommendation report.
You can find the assessor’s details who carried out the EPC on the bottom of the EPC, along with the accreditation scheme they’re a member of.
What to expect from a commercial energy assessment?
If you need a commercial EPC you should contact an accredited Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA). These professionals will visit your property to collect data/information such as room dimensions, lighting, building orientation insulation levels and heating systems. An EPC for a new building would require similar information, but would not involve a site visit.
The assessor will need access to every part of the building as they will need to take measurements and photos to support their assessment. Landlords will be pleased to know that the non-domestic energy assessment is non-invasive, with no drilling or hammering into walls. The amount of time an assessment takes is dependent on the size and complexity of the building.
EPCs in Scotland will typically be printed and provided to you, however for the rest of the UK the EPC will be provided via an online link.