Commercial EPC London: What Business Owners Need Before Leasing or Selling
If you own, lease or manage a commercial property in London, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) may be an important part of preparing the property for sale or letting.
A Commercial EPC London assessment is different from a domestic EPC. Commercial buildings can have more complex heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation systems.
Whether you own an office in Central London, a retail unit in Croydon or a commercial premises in Mitcham, it helps to understand the EPC requirements before marketing the property.
This guide explains what a commercial EPC is, when you may need one, what an assessment can involve and how to prepare your property.
What Is a Commercial EPC?
A commercial Energy Performance Certificate provides information about the energy efficiency of a non-domestic building.
The certificate gives the property an energy rating and provides information about its energy performance.
Commercial properties can include:
Offices
Shops and retail units
Restaurants
Warehouses
Industrial premises
Workshops
Business units
Some mixed-use properties
However, EPC requirements can vary depending on the type of building and how it is used.
For official information, see the GOV.UK EPC guidance.
When Does a Commercial Property Need an EPC?
A commercial EPC may be required when a non-domestic property is:
Constructed
Sold
Let to a new tenant
Advertised for sale or rent
There are also exemptions and special circumstances. Therefore, property owners should check the latest government requirements for their particular building.
Arranging an EPC early can make the process easier. It can also reduce the risk of discovering that a certificate is missing or expired just before a property transaction.
Why Is a Commercial EPC Important in London?
London has a large and varied commercial property market. As a result, commercial buildings can differ considerably in size, construction and energy systems.
A small retail unit may have very different requirements from a large office or industrial warehouse. The EPC provides useful information about the building’s energy performance in each case.
For landlords and commercial property owners, an EPC can therefore form part of the wider process of preparing a property for the market.
Before advertising your premises, check the EPC position and confirm whether a valid certificate is available.
What Does a Commercial EPC Assessment Look At?
A commercial EPC assessment considers relevant features of the building that affect its energy performance.
The exact assessment depends on the property. However, several areas may be considered.
Heating Systems
The assessor may need information about the property’s heating system. This can include the type of heating equipment and available controls.
Cooling and Air Conditioning
Commercial premises sometimes use air-conditioning or dedicated cooling systems. These systems can therefore form part of the assessment.
Lighting
Lighting is another important consideration. The type and efficiency of lighting can affect the property’s overall energy performance.
Insulation
Good insulation can reduce heat loss. Consequently, the construction and insulation of walls, roofs and other parts of the building may be relevant.
Windows and Glazing
Windows and glazing can influence heat transfer and the thermal performance of a building.
Ventilation
Some commercial buildings use mechanical ventilation, while others rely on natural ventilation. The relevant ventilation system may need to be considered during the assessment.
Building Construction
Finally, the size, construction and characteristics of the building can influence the assessment.
Commercial EPC vs Domestic EPC
A commercial EPC and a domestic EPC both provide information about energy performance. However, they are not interchangeable.
Commercial buildings may contain:
Larger floor areas
More complex heating systems
Mechanical ventilation
Air conditioning
Commercial lighting
Multiple zones
Specialist equipment
For that reason, a commercial property may require a non-domestic assessment carried out under the appropriate methodology.
If you own a residential property instead, our residential EPC service provides EPC assessments for homes, flats, apartments and rental properties.
What Should You Prepare Before a Commercial EPC Assessment?
A little preparation can make the assessment process easier.
Before the appointment, gather any relevant information you have about the building. Useful documents may include:
Previous EPC information
Building plans
Heating system details
Boiler information
Air-conditioning details
Lighting specifications
Insulation information
Records of energy-efficiency improvements
Relevant building documentation
Recent improvements are particularly worth documenting.
For example, you may have upgraded insulation, heating equipment or glazing. Keeping supporting information available can help the assessor accurately record relevant features.
What If the Commercial Property Has Recently Been Upgraded?
Energy-efficiency improvements can change a building’s characteristics.
If you have recently upgraded the property, gather information about:
Heating systems
Insulation
Windows
Lighting
Heating controls
Renewable energy systems
Supporting documentation can be useful during the assessment.
However, an improvement does not automatically guarantee a particular EPC rating. The final rating depends on the assessment and the information that can be appropriately recorded.
What Happens If a Commercial Property Has a Poor EPC Rating?
A lower EPC rating may indicate opportunities to improve the property’s energy performance.
The certificate can include recommendations for possible improvements. Depending on the building, these could involve:
Improving insulation
Upgrading lighting
Improving heating controls
Upgrading heating systems
Improving glazing
Reviewing ventilation systems
Considering suitable renewable-energy technologies
Every commercial property is different. Therefore, the most suitable improvements depend on the building, its systems and its intended use.
Property owners should consider the technical requirements, cost and suitability of proposed work before making decisions.
Commercial EPC and MEES
Commercial landlords should also be aware of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, commonly known as MEES.
MEES rules can affect the letting of certain privately rented non-domestic properties. However, the rules and exemptions can be complex.
For that reason, commercial property owners should check the latest official guidance rather than relying on an old article or historic requirement.
For current information, refer to the official GOV.UK guidance on energy efficiency requirements for rented properties.
Should You Arrange the EPC Before Marketing a Commercial Property?
In many situations, arranging the EPC early is a sensible part of commercial property preparation.
For example, consider checking the EPC before:
Instructing an estate agent
Advertising the property
Starting a new commercial lease
Preparing a property for sale
Planning a refurbishment
Giving marketing information to prospective tenants
Getting the documentation organised beforehand can reduce the possibility of a last-minute delay.
It also gives your estate agent the information needed to prepare the property listing.
Commercial Property Marketing Requires More Than an EPC
An EPC provides energy information, but it is only one part of a professional commercial property listing.
A strong marketing package can also include:
Professional property photography
A clear floor plan
Accurate property measurements
A detailed property description
Location information
Key property features
Professional photographs can show the appearance and condition of commercial premises. Meanwhile, a floor plan can help prospective buyers or tenants understand the available space.
Urgent EPC also provides professional property photography and floor plan services alongside EPC services.
As a result, property owners can discuss several marketing requirements with one provider.
Commercial EPC and Property Photography
An EPC provides information about energy performance. Photography, on the other hand, shows prospective buyers or tenants what the property looks like.
For a commercial property, professional photographs can showcase:
Shopfronts
Offices
Reception areas
Meeting rooms
Workspaces
Storage areas
Warehouses
External areas
Parking facilities
Good photographs can make a commercial listing easier to understand online. They can also help prospective tenants decide whether a property is suitable before arranging a viewing.
Read our guide to professional property photography in London to learn more.
Commercial EPC and Floor Plans
A floor plan provides information that photographs cannot easily communicate.
For commercial properties, a floor plan can help show:
Office areas
Retail areas
Storage spaces
Reception areas
Meeting rooms
Toilets
Access routes
Overall room arrangement
This information can be especially useful when a prospective tenant wants to understand how the available space could work for their business.
Our professional floor plan service can also be arranged alongside other property services.
Preparing a Commercial Property Across London
Commercial properties across London vary significantly.
For instance, a retail property in Croydon CR0 may have different characteristics from an office in Central London or a commercial unit in Mitcham CR4.
Urgent EPC provides property services across London and South London, including:
Croydon CR0 and CR2
Thornton Heath CR7
Mitcham CR4
Clapham SW4 and SW9
Streatham SW16
Tooting SW17
Sutton SM1, SM2 and SM3
Wandsworth
Wimbledon
Balham
Bromley
Fulham
If you are unsure whether commercial EPC services are suitable for your particular property, contact the team before booking.
Commercial EPC Checklist for Property Owners
Use this simple checklist before arranging a commercial EPC.
Property Information
☐ Confirm the property type and use
☐ Check whether an existing EPC is available
☐ Check the EPC expiry date
☐ Gather available building documentation
Energy Systems
☐ Identify the heating system
☐ Check cooling and air-conditioning systems
☐ Gather lighting information
☐ Gather insulation information
☐ Record recent energy-efficiency improvements
Marketing
☐ Arrange the commercial EPC
☐ Arrange professional property photography
☐ Arrange a suitable floor plan
☐ Prepare accurate property information
☐ Provide the completed materials to your agent
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a commercial EPC?
A commercial EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate for a non-domestic property. It provides information about the building’s energy performance and rating.
Does every commercial property need an EPC?
Not every property is treated in exactly the same way. Requirements and exemptions depend on the type and circumstances of the building.
Therefore, check the latest GOV.UK guidance for your specific property.
How long is a commercial EPC valid?
An EPC is generally valid for 10 years. However, particular circumstances may require a new certificate sooner.
Can a commercial EPC be used for a residential property?
No. Domestic and non-domestic properties are assessed under different requirements and methodologies.
What can affect a commercial EPC rating?
Several factors can affect energy performance. These may include building construction, insulation, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and other relevant characteristics.
Can I improve a commercial property’s EPC rating?
Energy-efficiency improvements may improve a property’s energy performance. The effect, however, depends on the building and the measures installed.
The EPC recommendation report can provide useful suggestions for potential improvements.
Can I arrange photography and a floor plan with my commercial EPC?
Yes. Urgent EPC also provides property photography and floor plan services.
Contact the team to discuss your property’s requirements and current availability.
Final Thoughts
A Commercial EPC London assessment is an important consideration for owners and landlords preparing a non-domestic property for sale or letting.
Rather than waiting until marketing has already started, check the property’s EPC position early. At the same time, gather information about its heating, lighting, insulation and other relevant systems.
Professional photography and a clear floor plan can then complete the property’s marketing materials.
Together, these services provide three different types of useful information:
EPC: energy performance
Photography: property appearance
Floor plan: property layout
If you need help preparing a commercial property in London, explore Urgent EPC’s property services or contact the team to discuss your requirements.
Official Resources
For current requirements and regulations, always refer to official government guidance:
