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A non-domestic EPC assessment is a key requirement for anyone involved in selling, renting, or developing commercial properties in the UK. Whether you own a commercial building, manage a business property, or are preparing to let space in the private rented sector, understanding your energy performance certificate (EPC) is essential.
An energy performance certificate provides a clear indication of a building’s energy efficiency, helping property owners, tenants, and prospective buyers understand how energy is used and where improvements may be made. It also plays an important role in meeting minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) and reducing carbon emissions.
A non-domestic EPC is typically underpinned by commercial SBEM calculations, the standard methodology for modelling a building’s energy performance in the UK. In simple terms, SBEM acts as the engine behind the EPC, analysing factors such as heating, lighting, and building fabric to generate an accurate energy rating. If you’re dealing with a new build, extension, or major refurbishment, these calculations are also required to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a non-domestic EPC is, when it’s required, how an EPC assessment works, and how improving your building’s energy performance can help reduce costs and support compliance.
At Falcon Energy, we offer Commercial SBEM calculations nationwide with a fast turnaround.
Contact us to book or get a free, no-obligation quote.
What is a non-domestic EPC?
A non-domestic energy performance certificate is a document that measures a commercial property’s energy performance. It provides an EPC rating from A (most energy-efficient) to G (least efficient), along with a recommendation report outlining potential energy efficiency improvements.
A commercial EPC applies to a wide range of non-domestic buildings, including:
- Offices and large office buildings
- Retail units such as large shops and small shops
- Warehouses and industrial buildings
- Public sector buildings, such as schools or other public buildings
Each certificate is valid for 10 years unless significant changes are made to the building, such as alterations to building services, heating systems, or air conditioning.
When is a non-domestic EPC required?
A non-domestic EPC assessment is a legal requirement in the UK under building regulations and energy legislation.
You will need a valid EPC when:
- Selling a commercial property
- Letting or renewing a lease in rented non-domestic buildings
- Constructing a new commercial building
Failure to provide a commercial energy performance certificate can result in penalties from local authorities and may delay transactions with prospective buyers or tenants.
Once an EPC is obtained, the rating it provides becomes a key factor in understanding the building’s overall energy performance.
Understanding EPC ratings and what they mean
The EPC rating you achieve reflects a building’s energy performance and overall efficiency.
It is based on several factors, including:
- Building fabric (walls, floors, insulation)
- Heating systems, hot water, and cooling
- Air conditioning and ventilation
- Lighting systems
- Overall energy use
The assessment is carried out using government-approved software, which calculates the building’s energy demand based on its floor area, room dimensions, and specific features.
A higher energy rating (A–C) indicates lower carbon emissions, reduced running costs, and better energy efficiency. Lower ratings (E–G) may indicate the need for energy efficiency improvements.
Understanding these ratings is particularly important as regulations continue to evolve. From 2030, it’s expected that the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) will be raised for commercial properties. Read more in our ‘2030 EPC Standards Update‘.
The importance of non-domestic EPCs for property owners
Understanding EPC requirements is only part of the picture. For property owners, a non-domestic EPC also plays an essential role in compliance, marketability, and long-term building performance.
Compliance with minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
The current minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) require most commercial properties in the private rented sector to achieve a minimum rating of E. If a property falls below this minimum rating, it may not be legally let until improvements are made.
From 2030, the minimum rating may be raised to B, making early planning and phased energy efficiency improvements a practical way to avoid future compliance issues and unexpected costs.
Reducing costs and carbon emissions
Improving a building’s energy efficiency can help:
- Reduce energy bills
- Lower energy use
- Support reducing carbon emissions
- Improve long-term operational efficiency
These benefits not only reduce day-to-day costs but can also make a property more attractive and competitive in the market.
Impact on lettings and demand
A building’s energy performance can directly affect demand. More energy-efficient properties are often more attractive to tenants and prospective buyers, particularly as businesses look to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
How a non-domestic EPC assessment works
It’s important to know what to expect from a non-domestic EPC assessment and how the process works in practice.
A non-domestic EPC assessment is carried out by an accredited energy assessor, also known as a non-domestic energy assessor (NDEA). The process typically includes:
1. On-site survey
The assessor will carry out an on-site survey of the property, collecting information such as:
- Room dimensions and layout
- Construction details and building fabric
- Information on heating, hot water, and air conditioning
- Lighting and other building services
This stage ensures all relevant details about the building are accurately recorded.
The time required for an on-site survey varies depending on the size and complexity of the property, but most assessments take between 1 and 4 hours for typical commercial premises.
2. Energy assessment
Using government-approved software, the assessor inputs the data to model the building’s energy performance. This provides a comprehensive understanding of how the property uses energy and highlights areas where improvements may be needed.
3. EPC certificate and report
Following the assessment, you will receive:
- A commercial energy performance certificate
- A document with recommended improvements
The certificate includes a certificate number, rating, and a summary of the property’s energy performance.
Preparing in advance can help ensure a smooth assessment. Having key information ready, such as floor plans, details of heating systems, air conditioning, lighting, and any existing EPC documentation, will help the assessor complete the process efficiently and produce an accurate result.
Common factors that affect EPC ratings
Once you know how an EPC is produced, it’s useful to know what can influence the final rating.
Several factors can affect a non-domestic EPC rating, including:
- Poor insulation within the building fabric
- Inefficient heating systems or outdated equipment
- High energy consumption from air conditioning
- Inefficient lighting
- Large or complex floor area
- Lack of modern controls (e.g. automatic blind control)
Understanding these factors can help identify where improvements may be needed and how a building’s energy performance can be enhanced.
How to improve your non-domestic EPC rating
Improving your non-domestic EPC rating doesn’t always require major changes. Many upgrades are cost-effective and can deliver long-term benefits.
Key improvements include:
- Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting
- Improving insulation in walls, floors, and roofs
- Replacing or upgrading heating systems and air conditioning
- Installing modern controls and smart systems
- Acting on the recommended improvements provided in your EPC report
These changes can help reduce costs, improve the building’s energy performance, and support a reduced environmental impact, while also making the property more attractive to tenants and prospective buyers.
When should you book a commercial EPC assessment?
Timing is important when arranging a non-domestic EPC assessment. It’s best to book an EPC assessment:
- Before marketing a commercial property
- Early in the construction of new developments
- Before lease renewals
- When significant changes are made to the building
Booking early ensures you have a valid EPC in place, helps avoid delays, and allows time to carry out any necessary improvements before transactions or compliance deadlines.
Summary
A non-domestic EPC assessment is an essential part of managing, letting, or developing commercial properties in the UK. It provides a reliable overview of a building’s energy performance, supports compliance with the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES), and helps ensure you meet legal requirements when selling or renting a property.
By understanding how EPCs are assessed, what affects your EPC rating, and how to make targeted energy efficiency improvements, you can reduce energy use, lower operational costs, and improve overall building performance. Planning ahead – particularly in light of potential future changes to MEES – can also help avoid delays, manage costs, and ensure your property remains compliant and competitive in the market.
Book your non-domestic EPC assessment with Falcon Energy
Ensure your property meets MEES regulations and achieves a strong energy rating with a professional non-domestic EPC assessment from Falcon Energy.
Our experienced, accredited energy assessors work nationwide, offering clear, practical advice and expert guidance.
Call us on 01403 253439 to book or to request a free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Good sound insulation can improve comfort, reduce noise levels, and enhance perceived build quality. This can increase buyer appeal and may have a positive influence on property value.
The best acoustic insulation depends on the construction, but materials such as acoustic mineral wool, rockwool insulation, and double plasterboard linings are commonly used to reduce sound transmission.
To reduce noise transfer, install acoustic insulation in internal walls, upgrade floors with acoustic underlay, and seal gaps that allow sound to pass through.