Complete guide
Commercial EPC
How the assessment works, what affects your rating, and what you can do to improve it.
What is a Commercial EPC?
A Commercial EPC rates the energy performance of any non-domestic building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It is a legal requirement for any commercial property being sold, let, or newly constructed in England and Wales. The certificate is valid for 10 years.
The assessment is carried out by an accredited energy assessor who surveys the building on site, then models its energy use in approved SBEM software. The output is a certificate showing the current rating, a potential rating if recommended improvements are made, and a detailed recommendations report.
Energy rating
CO₂ emissions score
- A0-25Most efficient
- B26-50
- C51-75
- D76-100
- E101-125
- F126-150
- G151+Least efficient
Lower scores are better. New commercial buildings typically target B or better; sub-E ratings cannot legally be let under MEES.
How the SBEM assessment works
SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) is the government-approved calculation methodology for non-domestic EPCs. Here is what happens at each stage:
1. On-site survey
The assessor visits the property to measure floor areas, identify wall and roof construction, record window types and sizes, and document every heating, cooling, lighting, and hot water system. This typically takes 1-3 hours depending on building size.
2. Data entry and modelling
Back at the office, the assessor enters all survey data into approved SBEM software. The software divides the building into activity zones (office, storage, kitchen, WC, etc.) and calculates the annual energy demand and carbon emissions for each zone.
3. Rating calculation
SBEM compares your building's calculated emissions against a notional reference building of the same size and type. The ratio determines where you fall on the A-to-G scale. The software also models what would happen if recommended improvements were applied, giving you a 'potential' rating.
4. Certificate and lodgement
The assessor produces the final certificate and recommendations report, then lodges it on the Landmark register. You receive the certificate by email, and it can be independently verified on the Landmark website by anyone with the address or report reference number.
What affects your EPC rating
Six factors drive the outcome of your Commercial EPC. Understanding them helps you prioritise improvements if your rating needs to come up.
Building fabric
High impactWall insulation, roof insulation, floor construction, window glazing type and frame material. Older buildings with solid walls and single glazing score lower.
Heating system
High impactBoiler type, age, and efficiency. Modern condensing boilers and heat pumps score significantly better than older non-condensing or electric heating.
Lighting
Medium impactLamp types (LED vs fluorescent vs halogen) and controls (occupancy sensors, daylight linking, time scheduling). Lighting is often the easiest and cheapest upgrade.
Air conditioning
Medium impactSystem type, age, and efficiency rating. Older split systems score lower than modern inverter-driven units. Buildings without AC avoid this penalty entirely.
Hot water
Low-Medium impactGeneration method (dedicated boiler, combi, point-of-use electric). Buildings with minimal hot water demand (e.g. warehouses) are less affected.
Renewables
Variable impactSolar PV, solar thermal, and heat pumps all reduce the calculated carbon emissions and can shift a rating by one or two bands.
MEES and your Commercial EPC
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations make it unlawful to grant a new lease on a commercial property in England or Wales with an EPC rating below E. This applies to all new leases, renewals, and extensions.
If your property is rated F or G, you must either carry out improvements to bring it up to at least E, or register a valid exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register. Exemptions are available in limited circumstances (e.g. where all relevant improvements have been made but the rating still falls short, or where improvements are not cost-effective within a 7-year payback period).
The government has proposed tightening MEES to require a minimum C rating by 2027 and B by 2030 for new leases, though these dates have not yet been confirmed in legislation. If your property currently sits at D or below, planning improvements now will avoid future disruption.
MEES penalties
- Less than 3 months in breach: 10% of rateable value (min £5,000, max £50,000)
- 3 months or more in breach: 20% of rateable value (min £10,000, max £150,000)
- Publication on a public register of non-compliant landlords
How to improve your EPC rating
Every Commercial EPC includes a recommendations report tailored to your building. These are the improvements that most commonly move the needle:
LED lighting retrofit
Typical uplift: 1-2 band improvement · Payback: 1-3 years
Heating controls upgrade
Typical uplift: 1 band improvement · Payback: 2-5 years
Cavity wall insulation
Typical uplift: 1-2 band improvement · Payback: 3-7 years
Double or triple glazing
Typical uplift: 1 band improvement · Payback: 7-15 years
Solar PV installation
Typical uplift: 1-2 band improvement · Payback: 5-10 years
Boiler replacement
Typical uplift: 1 band improvement · Payback: 5-8 years
The most cost-effective starting point is almost always lighting. Replacing fluorescent tubes with LEDs and adding occupancy sensors can shift a rating by one or two bands for a relatively low outlay. We can advise on the best approach for your specific building after the survey.
Pricing
Fixed prices based on floor area. Includes survey, SBEM modelling, certificate, recommendations report, and Landmark lodgement. No VAT.
| Floor area | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 m² | £199 |
| 101 – 200 m² | £249 |
| 201 – 350 m² | £299 |
| 351 – 500 m² | £349 |
| 501 – 750 m² | £449 |
| 751 – 1,000 m² | £549 |
| 1,001 - 2,000 m² | £649 - £849 |
| 2,000+ m² | Quote on request |
10% off when accurate floor plans are supplied in advance.
How Axe Energy works
Get an instant quote
Pick your service, enter your floor area, and see a fixed price in 60 seconds. Or call 07429 040520.
Book in seconds
Pay securely online or over the phone. We confirm your slot the same day, often within the hour.
Certified in 48 hours
We'll contact you to schedule our visit, then complete your order as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Commercial EPC assessor actually check?
The assessor surveys the building fabric (wall construction, insulation, roof type, floor build-up, window glazing and frames), all heating and cooling systems (boilers, heat pumps, air conditioning, radiators), hot water generation, lighting types and controls, and ventilation systems. Each element is measured, photographed, and entered into approved SBEM software to produce the rating.
How is the A-to-G rating calculated?
SBEM compares the annual CO₂ emissions of your building against those of a notional reference building of the same size and type. If your building produces fewer emissions than the reference, it scores higher. The rating bands are defined by the ratio of actual to reference emissions, with A being 25% or less of the reference and G being over 150%.
Can I improve my Commercial EPC rating?
Yes. Every Commercial EPC includes a recommendations report listing measures that could improve your rating, along with estimated cost savings. Common upgrades include LED lighting, improved heating controls, cavity or solid wall insulation, double glazing, and solar panels. We can advise on which measures give the best return for your building type.
What is the minimum rating required to let a commercial property?
Under MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards), commercial properties in England and Wales need a minimum E rating to be legally let. Properties rated F or G cannot be leased unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. The government has proposed raising this to C by 2027 and B by 2030, though these dates are not yet confirmed.
How long does the on-site survey take?
For a standard office or retail unit under 500 m², the survey typically takes 1-2 hours. Larger or more complex buildings (multiple HVAC systems, unusual construction) can take half a day. We'll give you a time estimate when you book.
What documents should I prepare before the survey?
Ideally: floor plans (even rough sketches help), details of any heating or cooling systems (make, model, age), recent utility bills, and information about any insulation or glazing upgrades. Having these ready can speed up the survey and may qualify you for our 10% floor-plan discount.
Get your Commercial EPC
Fixed prices. 24-48hr turnaround. Full recommendations report included.