Commercial EPC FAQs
Commercial EPCs can feel very confusing. They differ from normal domestic EPCs and, with changing regulations and increasing pressure on businesses to improve energy efficiency, understanding your EPC responsibilities is becoming increasingly important. Whether you are selling, renting, managing, or buying a commercial property, preparing now can help you avoid issues further down the line.
To help, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear asked about commercial EPCs.
Before checking out the FAQs, if you want to learn more about the ins and outs of commercial EPCs, we also have a more in-depth blog you can read here.
And if you are looking for a quote for a commercial EPC, our team at Green Energy Switch can help. We offer fully managed commercial EPC service across a range of property types and can provide a competitive quote tailored to your premises.
Get your quote today.
You usually need a commercial EPC when building, selling, or renting out a commercial property. This includes offices, shops, warehouses, hospitality venues, and many other non-domestic buildings.
In most cases, the responsibility falls on the landlord or property owner, especially when marketing the property for sale or rent. However, landlords and tenants can sometimes agree who pays for the EPC during lease negotiations.
Generally, no. Most commercial properties need a valid EPC before you can legally market or let them, unless the property meets specific exemption criteria.
Currently, commercial properties generally need a minimum EPC rating of E before landlords can legally let them in England and Wales, unless they have registered a valid exemption. This applies even if the tenancy has not changed. If the property is empty and not currently being let, landlords do not usually need to make improvements until they decide to rent it out again.
Yes, you can usually still sell a commercial property with a G rating. However, if the owner plans to rent out the property, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) rules apply. This means landlords usually need to improve the property to meet the current minimum EPC requirement of E before they can legally let it.
The government has proposed tighter EPC regulations for commercial properties as part of wider net zero targets. Future changes could require landlords and businesses to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2028 and B by 2030. While the regulations may still evolve, businesses and landlords should improve energy efficiency now to help prepare for the coming years.
Listed buildings can sometimes be exempt from EPC requirements, but not always. It depends on whether compliance with minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter the character or appearance of the building, so it is always best to seek professional advice.
There are lots of ways to improve a commercial EPC rating, including upgrading lighting to LEDs, improving insulation, installing more efficient heating or cooling systems, and using renewable technologies such as solar panels.
At Green Energy Switch, we also help businesses with a range of commercial green energy solutions, including fully funded EV charger installations for eligible businesses. Get in touch with our commercial team at commercial@greenenergyswitch.co.uk to find out more and have a chat about the options available.
The cost of a commercial EPC can vary depending on the size, type, and complexity of the property. Larger buildings or sites with multiple units will usually cost more than smaller premises. At Green Energy Switch, we provide transparent competitive quotes, so get in touch if you are looking for one.
Hopefully these FAQs have helped answer some of the most common questions. For a more detailed and updated overview of the official regulations and exemptions, you can visit the UK Government website.
And don’t forget, if you need a quote for a commercial EPC, our team at Green Energy Switch are always happy to help. The quickest way to get your quote is by completing our short form here. Or you can contact us directly by phone or email to have a chat with our friendly team.
📧 epc@greenenergyswitch.co.uk
📞 01733 646 253
ABOUT US
Green Energy Switch (GES) delivers a broad range of energy services across the UK; specialising in working with social landlords and local authorities. Established in 2006, GES is a subsidiary of environmental charity PECT. We gift-aid any profits to PECT to help fund their vital work. In doing so, we are the lead sponsor of their Forest project. So far over 131,000 trees have been planted, equating to a remarkable reduction of over 1,300 tonnes of carbon emission.
