Yes. It is a legal requirement to provide a valid Commercial EPC to prospective buyers or tenants when a non-domestic building is built, sold or rented out. Failure to produce one can result in financial penalties based on 12.5% of the property’s rateable value (capped between £500 and £5,000).

A BRUKL (Building Regulations UK Part L) report is mandatory for new commercial builds and major refurbishments. You need it at the design stage to prove your building complies with carbon emission targets and again upon completion to secure an On-Construction EPC for building control sign-off.

A commercial EPC is valid for 10 years and can be reused for multiple tenancies or sales within that timeframe, provided no major structural or HVAC alterations are made to the property.

Buildings do not “fail” an EPC, but existing properties rated F or G cannot be legally leased or tenanted without an exemption due to MEES regulations. For new builds, a BRUKL report might “fail” at the design stage if the proposed building’s emissions exceed target levels, which we can help rectify before construction starts.

Yes. Current regulations stipulate that an EPC must be commissioned and available before a commercial property can be legally advertised for sale or rent.

While most commercial buildings require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when they are built, sold or leased, there are several specific exemptions recognised by UK regulations:

• Buildings used for low energy demand: Industrial sites, unconditioned workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings (like barns) that do not use much energy to heat or cool the indoor climate.

• Temporary buildings: Structures that are only intended to be used or remain in place for 2 years or less (e.g., construction site cabins, temporary event structures).

• Very small detached buildings: Stand-alone, detached buildings with a total useful floor space of less than 50 square metres.

• Buildings scheduled for demolition: Properties that are definitively due to be demolished, provided the seller or landlord can prove it and has all the relevant planning and conservation consents in place.

• Places of worship: Buildings exclusively used as places of worship or for direct religious activities.

• Listed buildings / protected structures: Officially protected or listed buildings (and buildings in conservation areas) are exempt only if complying with minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character, appearance, or historical structure. (Note: It is often necessary to consult the local conservation officer or obtain a formal assessment to confirm this).

Unsure if your building qualifies for an exemption? We are happy to have a quick chat about your property’s specific circumstances before you book an assessment.