Do I need an EPC for commercial premises?

When an EPC is required

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a building's energy efficiency from A to G. For commercial buildings, the rules in England and Wales say one is needed when the building is constructed, sold or let. To count, the building needs a roof, walls and fixed heating, mechanical ventilation or air conditioning. Lighting and hot water alone do not trigger the rule.

The seller or landlord is responsible. They must commission the certificate from an accredited non-domestic assessor before marketing, and show it to anyone who asks for information or a viewing.

When you do not need one

• You are an existing occupier and are not selling, assigning or subletting your interest.
• You are only renewing or extending a lease, or surrendering it.
• The building is in an exempt category: places of worship, temporary buildings planned for two years or less, certain low-energy industrial sites and workshops, stand-alone buildings under 50m², and protected buildings where the work would unacceptably alter their character or appearance.

Subletting part of your shop or office does count as a letting, so check before you advertise a spare room.

How long it lasts and what a missing one costs

An EPC is valid for 10 years and can be reused in that time. Failing to make one available on a sale or let can bring a civil penalty of 12.5% of the building's rateable value, with a minimum of £500 and a maximum of £5,000 (a flat £750 applies where the formula cannot be used). Trading standards enforce this.

Worked example: a unit with a rateable value of £20,000 gives 12.5% × £20,000 = £2,500, which sits inside the £500 to £5,000 range.

The minimum rating for rented premises

If you rent premises out, the minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) applies as well. In England and Wales a privately let commercial property generally needs at least an E rating unless a registered exemption applies, and since 1 April 2023 this covers all such lettings, not just new ones. Empty property that is not being let needs no action until it is let again. Local weights and measures authorities enforce it. See our guide to commercial EPCs and MEES.

In its interim response of 18 June 2026 the government dropped the proposed EPC C step for 2027. It plans to require EPC B by 2031, where cost-effective, only for privately rented buildings over 1,000 m²; smaller buildings stay at E. This needs new regulations before it becomes law.

Why it matters for your energy bill

An EPC does not change your tariff, but its recommendations show where heat or power is being wasted. Pair it with a business energy audit or small-business energy-saving steps, and check how landlords may charge tenants for energy if you share a supply.

Finding or checking an EPC

Certificates for non-domestic buildings are lodged on a central register, so your landlord, agent or assessor can look yours up. If the rating looks wrong, ask the assessor to explain the inputs, such as the heating system, lighting type and building fabric, because a missing detail can lower the score. Remember that a certificate is a snapshot: after you upgrade heating or lighting, a new one can show the improvement, which may matter if you plan to sublet or sell.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

This page covers England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own EPC rules, so check the Scottish Government or NI Direct guidance if your premises are there.

Next steps

1. Ask your landlord or agent for the current EPC and its date.
2. If you are the landlord, book an accredited assessor before you market the property.
3. Check the building is not in an exempt category.
4. Use the recommendations list to plan efficiency work.

Biz Energy is independent and not affiliated with any supplier, broker or comparison site, and takes no commission. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.