Offices, shops and non-domestic buildings
Commercial EPC
Commercial EPCs for offices, shops and other non-domestic premises. Make sense of assessment scope, energy rating and timing before a sale, letting or building handover.
01 / The perspective
Define the building.
Clarify the decision.
A commercial Energy Performance Certificate sets out the energy performance of a non-domestic building. The right assessment needs more than a postcode: use, floor area, building services and the part being sold or let can change the scope.
Whether you manage an office, retail unit, mixed-use property or another business premises, bring the building details and transaction deadline. We will help frame the request so the appropriate Commercial EPC assessment can be arranged.
Get the certificate in place when the building changes hands.
A non-domestic EPC is generally needed when a commercial building is sold or rented, and when a newly constructed building is completed. Some buildings and transactions are exempt, so the first step is to establish what is being marketed and which rules apply. An EPC is normally valid for 10 years.
For an office, shop, warehouse or another commercial property, give us the address, intended transaction and deadline. We can discuss what information is needed before the assessment is arranged.
Whole building or one unit? Define the boundary first.
Commercial properties are not always assessed as one simple space. A single let unit, a whole building with several occupiers and a mixed-use property can require different scoping. The configuration of heating and other building services matters too. A clear brief helps avoid ordering a certificate for the wrong area.
Plans, approximate floor area, use of each space and information about heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting can help the assessor understand the building. The assessor’s required accreditation level also depends on the complexity of the non-domestic building.
A usable energy picture for a commercial decision.
A Commercial EPC records the building’s energy performance on an A to G scale and is accompanied by recommendations for improvement. It gives owners, occupiers and prospective buyers or tenants a common reference point, while leaving room for a more detailed building survey or specialist design advice where needed.
Read the rating alongside the property’s actual use and systems. If you are planning a refurbishment, the certificate can help identify questions to investigate before committing to a particular measure.
Check the minimum standard before the letting decision.
The current minimum energy efficiency standard for relevant privately rented non-domestic property in England and Wales is EPC band E, unless a valid exemption applies. A low rating can therefore affect a proposed letting or an existing tenancy. The rules have conditions and exceptions; use the government guidance and property-specific advice for a compliance decision.
If the property has an F or G rating, share that with us at the outset. The EPC request, improvement planning and any exemption assessment are related steps, but they are not interchangeable.
Price the actual building, not a generic square metre.
Commercial EPC cost depends on factors such as the size, layout, complexity and available building information. A small shop and a multi-floor office do not call for the same assessment effort. Send the floor area, property use, number of units and any plans you have so the request can be understood properly.
If you are looking for a commercial EPC assessor in London or nearby, include the postcode and target date. We will confirm service availability and what is needed to progress the enquiry.
The useful details
Commercial EPC questions, answered.
When is a Commercial EPC required?
It is generally required when a non-domestic building is sold or rented, or a newly constructed building is completed, subject to applicable exemptions. The exact building and transaction should be checked before relying on a certificate.
Do I need an EPC for the entire building or my unit?
That depends on what is being sold or let and how the building and its services are configured. Provide floor plans, unit boundaries and details of shared systems so an appropriately accredited assessor can establish the assessment scope.
How much does a Commercial EPC cost?
The price varies with building size, complexity and the information available. Share the address, floor area, use, layout and deadline for a meaningful response. We do not publish a flat fee that would misrepresent a more involved property.
How long is a Commercial EPC valid?
A commercial energy performance certificate is normally valid for 10 years. Check the official register for an existing certificate before commissioning another one.
Can a domestic assessor complete a Commercial EPC?
Non-domestic assessments require an appropriately accredited non-domestic energy assessor. The assessor level needed depends on the building’s complexity; it is important to establish this before booking.
Your next step
A complex property deserves
a clear starting point.
Send the address, use, approximate floor area and your deadline. We will help frame the right Commercial EPC request.