Do you know how efficiently your commercial property is running?
A non-domestic EPC can give an asset-based view of how your building is performing from the structure to fixed services.
Our guide breaks down what the A to G rating actually means and why it matters in relation to the financial and legal implications for commercial buildings.
What is a Non-Domestic EPC, and Why Do I Need One?
A non-domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures the potential energy efficiency of a commercial building by assessing its construction materials, insulation, heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting systems. This provides an asset rating that reflects how the building is expected to perform, rather than the day-to-day usage.
A commercial EPC is required when a property is built, sold or leased and is a legal requirement. It assesses the expected, asset-based efficiency of the building itself.
Important Note: An EPC differs from a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) which reflects how much energy occupants actually use in practice. This distinction is important where landlords are planning improvements or assessing compliance.
As an EPC contractor, at ACI Reports we can confirm which certificate your property needs and guide you through the requirements.
Understanding the A-G Rating Scale
| A Rated Buildings | Are the most efficient and typically feature modern systems and strong insulation. |
| B Rated Buildings | Perform well and usually require only minor adjustments to reach the A rating. |
| C Rated Buildings | Meet a reasonable standard and often reflect properties built to more recent regulations. |
| D Rated Buildings | Sit around the middle of the scale and may need improvements to avoid falling below compliance thresholds. |
| E Rated Buildings | Meet the current legal minimum of the scale for letting but may struggle with future MEES changes. |
| F Rated Buildings | Fall below compliance and usually require upgrades before they can be legally let. |
| G Rated Buildings | Are the least efficient and often need significant work. |
Each band aligns with a numerical score that represents the building’s estimated CO2 emissions per square metre. They generally start at 0 and extend beyond 150. A score of around 100 is often used as a benchmark representing a typical older building.
What Impacts the Rating?
Key factors that can impact an EPC rating include the following:
- Building age and fabric, such as wall type and structure
- Insulation levels in the roof, walls and floors
- Heating, cooling and ventilation systems and how modern or efficient they are
- Lighting systems, such as LED upgrades compared with older fittings
All of these elements determine how well a building retains heat and uses energy.
A skilled EPC contractor evaluates each area and helps to identify where improvements could be made to deliver the greatest uplift.
The Financial and Legal Implications (MEES)
Minium Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) applies to most commercial buildings in England and Wales that are required to hold an EPC and are let on qualifying leases. The rules currently require properties to hold an EPC rating of E or above before they can be legally let, or continue to be let, unless a valid exemption has been registered by the owner.
The Government does have plans to increase the minimum requirement to C rating by 2027. This means property owners should begin planning improvements now rather than waiting for deadlines to tighten.
Having a poor EPC rating can affect the market value of a property, limit interest from potential buyers or tenants, and result in higher running costs. Many organisations also prefer buildings with stronger sustainability performance due to ESG commitments.
Working with knowledgeable EPC contractors such as ACI Reports can help to support informed planning and ensure you stay ahead of regulatory changes.
How to Improve Your EPC Rating
All EPC assessments include recommendations within the final report that set out measures which can improve a building’s rating.
High-impact, low-cost improvements could include:
- Switching to LED lighting
- Installation of modern controls, timers and thermostats for heating systems
- Optimising existing HVAC systems
Long-term improvements may include:
- Adding or upgrading insulation across the roof, walls and floors
- Replacing older glazing with double or triple glazing
- Installation of renewable technologies such as solar PV or heat pumps
At ACI Reports, we can help prioritise these upgrades to improve compliance, reduce long-term costs and prepare for future MEES requirements.
At ACI Reports We Work With You
At ACI Reports, we support commercial landlords, developers and property managers with clear, dependable EPC assessments.
For new certificates rating improvements or help navigating future regulatory requirements, contact our team today.