What Is a Commercial EPC?

What Is a Commercial EPC and Do You Need One?

If you own, rent, or manage a non-domestic property in the UK, you may have come across the term Commercial EPC — but what exactly is it, and why is it so important?

A Commercial EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is a legal requirement for many commercial buildings, and understanding when and why you need one can save you time, money, and potential penalties.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Commercial EPCs, including:

What a Commercial EPC is
Who needs one
When it’s required
What’s involved in the assessment
How much it costs
How Assessment Hive can help

🔍 What Is a Commercial EPC?

A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate is an official document that provides an energy efficiency rating for a non-domestic property. The rating is shown on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is based on factors such as heating, lighting, ventilation, and insulation.

The certificate also includes:

Estimated energy use and CO₂ emissions
Recommendations for improving energy efficiency
Information about the property’s current systems

A Commercial EPC is valid for 10 years, unless the building undergoes significant changes that affect its energy performance.

🏢 Which Buildings Need a Commercial EPC?

In general, any non-domestic building in the UK that is being sold, rented, or newly constructed must have a valid EPC before it goes on the market.

You’ll need a Commercial EPC for buildings such as:

Offices
Retail units and shops
Warehouses and industrial units
Restaurants, pubs, and cafés
Hotels and leisure facilities
Schools and healthcare buildings
Mixed-use properties with commercial spaces

The law applies to most commercial premises over 50 square metres, including temporary buildings expected to be in use for more than 2 years.

⚖️ Is a Commercial EPC a Legal Requirement?

Yes — a valid Commercial EPC is a legal requirement under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012.

If you’re selling, renting or constructing a commercial property, you must:

Commission an EPC before marketing
Include the EPC rating in marketing materials
Provide a copy to prospective buyers or tenants

❗ Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to produce a valid Commercial EPC can result in fines ranging from £500 to £5,000, depending on the building type and size. Enforcement is typically carried out by local authorities and trading standards.

🧰 What’s Involved in a Commercial EPC Assessment?

A Commercial EPC must be carried out by a qualified and accredited non-domestic energy assessor, such as one of our professionals at Assessment Hive.

Here’s what the assessment involves:

Site Visit:
The assessor visits the property to collect data on:
- Building size and layout
- Construction materials
- Heating, ventilation, and cooling systems
- Hot water and lighting
- Insulation and glazing
Software Modelling:
Using SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) software, the assessor inputs the data to generate an EPC rating.
Certificate Issuance:
The EPC is then lodged with the official EPC Register and made available online.

If you’d like to learn more about the tools we use, check out our SBEM Calculations page.

💷 How Much Does a Commercial EPC Cost?

The cost of a Commercial EPC varies depending on:

The size and complexity of the building
Location and access
The number of zones (e.g. different uses within the same space)

At Assessment Hive, our prices are transparent and competitive, with no hidden fees. On average, prices start from around £175+VAT for small properties and increase based on complexity.

For a breakdown of EPC pricing, visit our post on how much EPCs cost, which includes EPC references and pricing principles.

🧠 What Are the Benefits of a Good EPC Rating?

A higher Commercial EPC rating isn’t just about compliance — it can offer real benefits for your business or property:

Lower Energy Bills:
An efficient building costs less to operate.
Increased Market Value:
Buyers and tenants are more likely to favour energy-efficient premises.
Future-Proofing:
As energy regulations tighten, better EPCs can protect your investment.
Sustainability Goals:
Many businesses are now required to meet carbon targets; your EPC plays a role in this.

If you’re looking to improve your rating, see our Energy Audit page to help future-proof your building.

✅ Why Choose Assessment Hive for Your Commercial EPC?

At Assessment Hive, we make the process of obtaining a Commercial EPC straightforward, fast, and professional.

Here’s what sets us apart:

✅ Qualified, experienced assessors
✅ Nationwide service
✅ Fast turnaround times — usually 1–3 working days
✅ Clear, fixed pricing
✅ Fully remote service available
✅ Excellent customer service and reviews

We work with landlords, property managers, architects, and developers to deliver EPCs that meet all legal and planning requirements.

📌 Do You Need a Commercial EPC?

If you’re selling, renting, or constructing a commercial property in the UK, then yes — you must have a valid Commercial EPC.

Whether you manage one property or a nationwide portfolio, Assessment Hive can help you remain compliant while keeping the process smooth and hassle-free.