What is a Commercial EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)?
A Commercial EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is a document that assesses a commercial property’s energy efficiency. The certificate includes a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years. A Commercial EPC is required by law when a commercial property is built, sold or leased. The EPC assessment checks factors such as the building’s insulation, lighting, heating systems and heat loss to rate and recommend improvements.
Why is a Commercial EPC Inspection required?
A Commercial EPC Inspection is required to assess a commercial property’s energy efficiency and to provide a rating that can be used by property owners and tenants to identify areas for improvement and energy consumption of the property. The inspection can help identify areas to reduce energy bills and carbon footprint. It is also required by law for commercial properties being leased or sold in the UK.
What will be checked during a Commercial EPC Inspection?
During a Commercial EPC Inspection, the assessor will check the following:
- The building’s construction and fabric
- The insulation and air permeability of the building’s roof, walls, and floors
- The lighting system and controls
- The heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, including their controls and the plant used
- The hot water systems, including their controls and the plant used
- The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, biomass boilers, or wind turbines
Pre-Inspection Checklist for Occupants and Tenants:
What preparation would help us create an accurate Commercial EPC for your property:
Access to all parts of the commercial premises for measurements
Access to all heating and lighting fixtures and equipment
Any construction information about property you may have
Any alterations to the fabric of the building and the material used
Any information on Gas Services supplying your property
Any information on Electricity Supply to your property
Any information on commercial activities taking place or allowed to as per building planning class
Any additional information provided by the commercial building owner/occupier as this
will ensure that more accurate assessment and an improved energy rating
is produced
If no additional information is made available to the assessor, the
assessment will proceed on the basis of the default values built into the official commercial energy rating methodology, i.e., SBEM. These defaults are pessimistic, so if evidence is available to allow the energy assessor to override them, a better EPC rating usually results
It is important to note that a Commercial EPC is not a maintenance check but rather an assessment of the energy efficiency of a commercial property.