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Commercial compliance · England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Energy Performance Certificates
A legal requirement when most commercial buildings are built, sold or let. Vital provides commercial EPC assessments nationwide, carried out by experienced accredited energy assessors.
Status
Law
Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, England and Wales
Required when
Built, sold or let
And before a building is marketed
Valid for
10 years
Reusable for later sales or lettings
Penalty
12.5% of rateable value
Minimum £500, maximum £5,000 per breach
The Law
EPC requirements differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This page relates primarily to commercial property in England and Wales.
Energy Performance Certificates are a legal requirement for most commercial buildings when they are constructed, sold or let. In England and Wales the requirements are set out principally in the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.
The EPC regime gives a consistent way of assessing the energy performance of buildings, and gives prospective buyers and tenants information about a building's energy efficiency before they commit.
An EPC is also an important part of the wider regulatory framework for commercial property, including the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate gives an assessment of a building's modelled energy performance. The rating is shown on an A to G scale, with A the most energy efficient and G the least.
For a commercial building, the rating is calculated from information about the building's construction and fabric, together with its heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and lighting systems, where applicable.
An EPC is not a record of the building's actual energy consumption. It is a modelled assessment based on the building and its installed services.
When is an EPC required?
- When a building is sold or let. A valid EPC must be available when a commercial building or relevant building unit is sold or rented out.
- When a building is constructed. An EPC is required when construction of a new building is completed.
- When certain changes are made. An EPC may be required where the number of parts used for separate occupation changes and the work involves providing or extending fixed heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation.
- Before a property is marketed. An EPC must be commissioned before a building is marketed for sale or rent. In limited circumstances marketing may begin before the EPC is available, but it must then be obtained within the permitted timescale.
Validity
- Valid for 10 years, unless a newer EPC is produced for the same building or unit.
- Reusable. A valid EPC can generally be reused for later sales or lettings during its validity period.
- On the public register. EPCs are lodged on the Energy Performance of Buildings Register and can be checked online.
Who is responsible?
- Landlord or seller. Responsibility normally rests with the person selling or letting the building.
- Agents. An agent marketing the property must make sure the EPC requirements have been met before marketing.
- Buyers and tenants. The EPC must be made available to prospective buyers or tenants at the required stage of the transaction.
Multi-let buildings
- It depends on the building. A multi-let building may need an EPC for the whole building, for individual units, or a combination, depending on how it is configured and how heating, cooling and other services are provided.
- Shared heating. Where units share a common heating system, an EPC for the relevant building or units may be usable under the applicable guidance.
- Separate services. Where units have independent services, separate EPC requirements may apply.
- Don’t assume. Establish the correct approach for the particular building before marketing or letting.
Exemptions
Some buildings may not require an EPC, depending on use and circumstances:
- Purpose-built places of worship
- Temporary buildings intended for use for two years or less
- Detached buildings with a total useful floor area under 50m²
- Certain unheated industrial, agricultural and workshop buildings
- Buildings due to be demolished, where the conditions and evidence are met
- Certain protected or listed buildings, where compliance would unacceptably alter their character or appearance
A listed building is not automatically exempt. The specific circumstances need to be considered.
Shell and core EPCs
Where a building is sold or let without fixed services such as heating, cooling or mechanical ventilation, the EPC assessment may need to be based on the expected fit-out and the services that would reasonably be installed. The exact approach depends on the building and the circumstances of the transaction.
Penalties for non-compliance
For commercial buildings in England and Wales, the main penalty for failing to make an EPC available to a prospective buyer or tenant is calculated at 12.5% of the building’s rateable value, subject to a minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000. There can be additional penalties for failing to provide an EPC when an enforcement authority requests one.
EPC requirements are enforced by local authorities, generally through Trading Standards.
Don't leave EPC compliance until the last minute. If you are selling or letting a commercial property, make sure the EPC position is checked before the property is marketed.
Talk to the Vital team
0345 111 7700
info@vitaldirect.co.uk
Whether you need a new EPC, are unsure whether one is required, or want help understanding an existing rating.
Request a quote
Official sources
GOV.UK
Find an energy certificate
legislation.gov.uk
Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
Scotland
Scottish EPC Register
Northern Ireland
EPCs in Northern Ireland
Your EPC tells you the rating. What happens next?
Vital EPC Plus
An EPC is a snapshot of a building’s modelled energy performance. The rating alone does not tell you which improvements are likely to deliver the best results, what they could cost, or how to plan them.
EPC Plus looks beyond the rating to assess the building and identify a practical, cost-effective pathway for future-proofing the asset: what could be done now, what is better phased over time, and how the property can be prepared for future requirements.
An EPC tells you where you are. EPC Plus helps you move forward.
About EPC Plus
- Improve the rating towards B or A, where achievable
- Identify the most cost-effective measures
- Understand likely costs, savings and payback
- Plan improvements in practical phases
- Prepare for future MEES requirements
Common questions
The things landlords, agents and occupiers ask us most often about commercial EPCs.
Can I start marketing before the EPC is ready?
Only in limited circumstances, and the EPC must then be obtained within the permitted timescale. The safe approach is to commission the EPC before the property goes to market.
Do I need an EPC to let or sell my commercial property?
In most cases, yes. A valid EPC must be available when a commercial building or relevant building unit is sold or let, and it must be commissioned before the property is marketed. Some buildings are exempt, so if you are unsure, call us and we will check for you.
How long does a commercial EPC last?
Ten years, unless a newer EPC is produced for the same building or unit in that time. A valid EPC can usually be reused for later sales or lettings within its validity period.
I have a multi-let building. Do I need one EPC or several?
It depends on how the building is configured and how heating, cooling and other services are provided. Where units share a common heating system, one EPC may cover the relevant building or units. Where units have independent services, separate EPCs may be required. We will establish the right approach before you market or let.
My building is listed. Is it exempt?
Not automatically. Certain protected or listed buildings are exempt where meeting the energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance, but each case has to be considered on its own circumstances.
What happens if I do not have an EPC?
In England and Wales the main penalty is 12.5% of the building's rateable value, with a minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000, plus possible further penalties for not providing an EPC when an enforcement authority asks for it. Local authorities enforce the rules, usually through Trading Standards.
What is the difference between an EPC and an EPC Plus?
An EPC gives you the rating. An EPC Plus is a bespoke report that assesses the building, models the improvement measures available and sets out a practical, costed route to a better rating and a lower-carbon building. Read about Vital EPC Plus.
Who is responsible for getting the EPC?
Normally the person selling or letting the building. Where an agent is marketing the property, the agent must make sure the EPC requirements have been met before marketing begins.
Measure. Model. Improve. Comply.
Need help with your commercial EPC?
Vital provides commercial EPC assessments across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, supported by experienced accredited energy assessors.