An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a certificate (and report) that indicates the energy efficiency of a building and potential improvements that are possible. It covers areas such as insulation, heating and lighting.
EPC certificates rate buildings from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient. There is also a CO2 rating that outlines the approximate levels of CO2 that are emitted. An EPC is valid for 10 years.
As a commercial property owner, you need an EPC if you let or sell your premises. It’s a legal requirement to display your EPC if the floor area is over 500 square metres and the building is frequently visited by the public.
You can only get EPCs from Commercial Energy Assessors, but they have different specialisations, so you will need to choose the right one for your type of building. Some properties are exempt from needing an EPC, including industrial or agricultural buildings that don’t use much energy (for example a storage shed). Listed buildings need an EPC, but might be able to register exemptions for certain types of improvement.
EPCs are part of the UK government’s drive to make the country carbon net zero by 2050, with emissions reduced by 50% by 2030 (compared with 1990 levels). It is estimated that large commercial and industrial buildings contribute about 30% of energy emissions from all property. In order to help meet national emission reductions, the government White Paper on Minimum Energy Effiiciency Standards (MEES) has recommended that privately-rented commercial property must have EPC rating of C or above by March 2027 and B or above by March 2030. For each deadline, landlords must prove they have achieved those EPC milestones, or have registered an exemption. This doesn’t need to be a two-step process – it can be more cost-effective and less disruptive to do the improvements to the highest level from the start.
You can improve the EPC rating by improving the energy efficiency of your commercial property. The surface area of the roof and walls of large commercial and industrial buildings is huge. This means poor insulation is a major cause of energy loss, both in terms of warm air in winter and cooled air in summer. There are other things that can help too:
Improving the insulation of a property is a vital step in improving its energy efficiency. This can be done via wall cladding or renewal or refurbishment of the roof. Although it may require a significant investment, this money can be regained through lower energy bills – especially at the moment with the price of energy so high. A higher rating on the EPC also ensures that landlords will be able to continue letting their property. Acting now can help ensure the deadline is met in the most convenient way.
JDB Roofing are specialists in improving the thermal efficiency of large commercial and industrial buildings and have a range of options, from overcladding of roof and walls to completely new roofs of many types. We are also experts in replacement of asbestos roofs and can add solar panels as part of your roofing project.
Having worked in the commercial sector for many years, we understand the importance of minimising disruption to your business or tenants. Contact us for a free survey today.
