At Future Building, we’re committed to helping you get the most from your Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). With the changes introduced in September 2020—where EPCs moved from downloadable PDFs to accessible web pages on a .gov website—navigating your EPC has never been easier. But we’re here to make it even simpler.

Our exclusive guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of your commercial EPC, ensuring you easily understand every detail. Whether you want to improve your energy rating, comply with regulations, or make informed energy decisions for your business, this guide gives you the insights you need. Use the contents menu on the right to jump between sections and find the exact information you’re looking for in no time.

Stay Ahead of the Game: With regulations evolving, understanding your EPC is more crucial than ever. Whether leasing, selling, or managing commercial properties, ensure you’re up-to-date and fully informed.

Section 1: Core Information

The Core Information section provides the key details of your property and its energy performance, offering a quick snapshot of essential facts. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Property Address: The exact location of the property.
  • Energy Rating: A quick glance at your property’s energy efficiency, shown on a scale from A+ (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This rating is vital for compliance and potential energy savings.
  • Expiry Date: The date when your certificate will expire. Stay ahead of this to ensure you’re always in line with regulations.
  • Certificate Number: Your unique reference code. Use this to search for your EPC or share it when required.
  • Type of Property: Indicates your building’s classification—retail, office, storage, or another commercial category.
  • Floor Area: The total size of your property, measured in square meters (m²).
  • Clickable Contents: Easily navigate through the report with a contents menu for faster access to key sections.

Section 2: Rules on Letting

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation has undergone key changes since its initial implementation. Here’s what you need to know:

As of April 2020, letting or renewing leases on properties with an EPC rating below E—whether for new or existing tenancies, became illegal.

However, recent updates in April 2023 have taken this a step further. All commercial properties (not just newly let ones) must have an EPC rating of at least E to continue being leased. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines and lost rental opportunities.

Looking Ahead: By 2030, the government plans to raise the minimum required EPC rating to B, meaning landlords will need to focus on improving their buildings’ energy performance sooner rather than later. For more information on the evolving MEES legislation, [click here].

Is Your Property Ready?
If your property has an F or G rating, now is the time to act. At Future Building, our MEES Consultancy Service offers cost-effective and minimally disruptive solutions to help you upgrade your property, ensure compliance, and unlock its rental potential.

Explore our MEES Consultancy Service today and future-proof your investment!

Section 3: Energy Efficiency Rating

The Energy Efficiency Rating section visually displays your property’s energy performance. This includes:

  • An energy rating on an A+ to G scale.
  • A numeric scale indicating energy use from under 0 to over 150.
  • The potential score your property could achieve by implementing further recommendations in the report.
  • Explanations of the graph and the average property score for better understanding.

Section 4: Benchmarks – See how your property stacks up!

The Benchmarks section allows you to compare your property’s energy efficiency against similar buildings, giving you valuable insight into how your property performs in the market.

  • Average Energy Performance Ratings: This section highlights the typical energy ratings for properties of the same type, offering a clear benchmark to assess your building’s efficiency.

By understanding where your property stands, you can make informed decisions on whether improvements are needed to stay competitive and compliant.

Want to Improve Your Rating?
Our Energy Improvement Services can help you boost your property’s efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance its appeal to tenants. Contact us today to explore your options!

Section 5: Energy Performance Breakdown

The Energy Performance Breakdown section offers insights into your property’s efficiency, including:

  • Main Heating Fuel: The type of fuel used for heating.
  • Building Environment: The conditions affecting energy use.
  • Estimated Building Emission Rate: A measure of your building’s carbon emissions.
  • Primary Energy Use: The overall energy consumption.
  • Level of Assessment Required: There are three levels of SBEM assessment, from level 3 (basic) to level 5 (complex).

Section 6: Recommendation Report

This section provides access to your property’s Recommendation Report, outlining suggested improvements for energy efficiency. For a detailed breakdown, see Understanding your Commercial Recommendation Report

Section 7: Assessors Contact Details – Getting the Support You Need

Here you’ll find the assessor’s contact information, including:

  • In this section, you’ll find all the essential contact details for your EPC assessor, making it easy to reach out with any questions or clarifications:
  • Name, Telephone, and Email: Direct ways to contact the assessor for any inquiries regarding your property’s assessment or energy efficiency.
  • Employer Information: The name and address of the assessor’s employer, providing additional assurance and credibility.
  • Accreditation Scheme: Information about the qualifications and accreditation of your assessor, ensuring they meet industry standards.
  • Assessment Details: This includes critical dates, such as the assessment and certificate issuance dates, and the assessor’s accuracy declaration. Remember, your EPC and Recommendation Report are valid for ten years from the assessment date, so be sure to stay on top of the expiry to remain compliant.

Section 8: Other Certificates

Understanding your Commercial EPC history is crucial for maintaining compliance and improving energy efficiency. Reviewing past reports allows you to identify trends and make smarter, more informed decisions for your property’s energy management.

We’re Here to Help!
Navigating your EPC doesn’t have to be complicated. Our experts can guide you through the process, ensuring you stay compliant while maximizing your property’s energy efficiency. Let us help you make the best choices for your property’s future.

If you have any questions about your EPC that haven’t been answered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Fill out our contact form or call us at 03333 445 504 (Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-17:30 excl. Bank Holidays).

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