Through detailed EPC surveys and expert technical advice, our experienced team of commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessors can help improve the energy efficiency of non-domestic properties and ensure compliance with energy performance certificate regulations.
EPC Regulations
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is legally required whenever a building is constructed, modified, sold, or let.
Only an accredited energy assessor can carry out an EPC survey and lodge valid EPC reports. They will rate the building from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and recommend measures for improvement.
All EPCs are valid for 10 years and should be made available to any prospective buyer or tenant. You must also display your certificate by fixing it to your commercial building if it has a total usable floor area of over 500m² and is frequently visited by the public.
The penalty for non-compliance is a fine between £500 and £5,000 based on the rateable value of the building.
Our Commercial EPC Survey and Support Services
At ACI Reports, we have a team of accredited commercial EPC assessors available across the UK to help clients achieve the highest possible EPC grade within legal parameters. While low ratings can have serious implications for property owners, our specialists will work to generate the best possible EPC report.
Driven by our client-focused consulting approach, we also deliver value for each project with trusted recommendations and guidance on how to action them. This relationship plays a key role in enabling clients to mitigate risks, establish best practices, and save costs over the long term.
We can help with:
- Office buildings
- Mixed-use buildings
- Sites with common or separate heating systems
- Commercial new build developments
- Shopping centres and retail units
- Single commercial buildings
- SBEM design for commercial new build projects
Commercial Energy Performance Certificate Ratings Explained
Your commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will tell you how energy efficient the building is on the scale A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). It will also show how costly the building is to heat and light, as well as its current and projected carbon emission levels.
Following an EPC survey, the EPC assessor will provide a full EPC report outlining:
- The estimated energy costs of the property over 3 years
- The energy efficiency rating (current & potential)
- A summary of the property’s energy performance-related features
- Actions that can be taken to save money & improve efficiency
- The costs of potential improvement strategies against future savings
- A carbon dioxide (CO2) rating (current & potential)
Commercial MEES EPC Requirements (2026 Update)
Current MEES in the non-domestic private rented sector
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) set minimum energy efficiency requirements for privately rented non-domestic properties in England and Wales.
Currently, covered commercial properties must have an EPC rating of E or above to be legally let or continue to be let, unless a valid exemption has been registered.
Under MEES EPC requirements, properties rated F or G will normally need improvements to bring them up to the required standard before they can be let.
What this means for commercial landlords and property managers
For commercial landlords and property managers, your EPC rating can directly affect your ability to let a property.
If you're responsible for a property portfolio, it's worth keeping track of:
- Current EPC ratings and expiry dates
- Properties specifically rated F or G
- Required improvement measures
- Any registered MEES exemptions
- Upcoming regulatory changes
Future MEES requirements
The Government currently intends that, from 2031, privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000m² will need to achieve an EPC B rating, where this is cost-effective.
This is a government proposal and intention at present, and the changes will require secondary legislation before they become law.
Following 2026 updates to MEES EPC requirements, the previously proposed 2027 EPC C milestone will not be taken forward.
What Happens During a Commercial EPC Survey?
Choosing the right assessor is essential, as a valid commercial EPC can only be produced by an accredited energy assessor. At ACI Reports, we make the process simple, guiding you from initial preparation through to your completed EPC and recommendations.
1. Preparing For Your Assessment
First, we’ll confirm your building details. To speed up the process, please have any relevant documents ready, including floor plans, construction specs, lighting schedules, maintenance records, or past EPCs.
2. Completing the On-site EPC Survey
Our accredited commercial energy assessor will visit the property to assess its fabric and energy-related systems. They'll review features including insulation, glazing, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and controls.
3. Calculation, Certification, and Recommendations
After the survey, we’ll model the assessment and use our findings to calculate the building's energy performance rating. We’ll produce and lodge the EPC and provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency.
Why Choose ACI Reports for Commercial EPC Surveys?
The type of commercial EPC assessor you need depends on the size, complexity, and features of your building. At ACI Reports, we have the experience and technical knowledge to support a wide range of commercial property types, giving you confidence that your EPC is thorough, accurate, and completed by an accredited assessor.
For more than 15 years, we’ve delivered EPC surveys across some of the largest and most complex sites, including rolling programmes for international PLCs, as well as one-off surveys for smaller commercial projects. Whatever the size or complexity of your property, we can provide the right expertise and support.
If you are looking for a professional and credible company to undertake a single EPC survey or multiple assessments, contact ACI Reports today – our friendly team will be happy to discuss your project or scheme and how we can help.
ACI Reports has a team of experienced assessors ready to carry out EPC surveys and reports for your next project. Get in touch for a quotation!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EPC survey?
An Energy Performance Certificate survey (EPC survey) determines the energy efficiency of a building. It involves assessing the property's performance-related features (e.g., insulation, lighting, and heating) to produce a certificate of energy performance. You will need an EPC for any domestic or non-domestic building being sold, let, modified, or constructed.
What are the EPC rules for commercial property?
In the UK, commercial properties must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when they are built, sold, or let. It is currently a legal requirement that any commercial property being let must have an EPC rating of E or above, unless an approved exemption has been registered.
How often do you need a commercial EPC?
A commercial EPC is valid for 10 years. However, you will need new EPC reports whenever you make significant changes to a building that could affect its energy performance (e.g., alterations to heating, lighting, insulation, or layout). You’ll also need an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating whenever the property is put on the market or offered for lease.
What are the benefits of commercial EPCs?
Energy performance certificate companies specialising in commercial EPCs can advise you on how to assess, improve, and maintain your rating, helping you:
- Ensure you meet legal requirements and avoid penalties
- Identify ways to reduce energy use and lower costs
- Make your property more attractive to tenants and buyers
- Stay ahead of future energy efficiency regulations
- Improve your building’s environmental performance
Who can carry out an EPC survey?
EPC surveys must be carried out by an accredited energy or EPC assessor, which you can find via the government’s official EPC register.
Is an EPC survey disruptive?
The EPC survey itself is non-intrusive and will not damage the building. However, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is thorough and requires access to all areas of the property. The size and ease of access will determine how much time the EPC assessor will need.
Does the proposed EPC B MEES requirement apply to all commercial buildings?
No. The current government intention is for the proposed EPC B requirement from 2031 to apply to privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000m² in England and Wales, where achieving the standard is cost-effective. Smaller buildings are intended to remain subject to the current EPC E minimum standard. The proposed changes are not yet law and require secondary legislation.
Is the 2027 EPC C MEES requirement still going ahead?
No. The Government has confirmed that the previously proposed 2027 EPC C milestone for non-domestic private rented property will not be taken forward. The current intention is to move towards an EPC B requirement for qualifying buildings over 1,000m² from 2031, subject to legislation.
What should I do if my commercial rented property has an EPC rating of F or G?
If your property is covered by MEES, you'll generally need to improve its EPC rating to at least E or register a valid exemption before it can continue to be let. An assessment from an EPC contractor can identify potential improvement measures and help you understand the property's current position.
Where do you get an energy performance certificate?
You can get a commercial Energy Performance Certificate survey (EPC survey) through a qualified energy assessor, like ACI Reports.
How can I get a commercial EPC near me?
ACI Reports offers professional EPC services with nationwide coverage. We use only the best accredited commercial EPC assessors, making us a leading provider of EPCs with the capacity to deliver over 400 reports every month. Contact us to get started.
How much does an energy performance certificate cost?
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) costs depend on the building being assessed. Please speak to us for your free, no-obligation quotation.
