Commercial Energy Performance Certificates

Commercial Energy Performance Certificates

Non-domestic EPC

Non-domestic EPC, otherwise known as a commercial EPC or energy performance certificate for business premises. These provide small and large buildings a Energy grade between ‘A’ & ‘G’ (‘A’ being the most efficient and ‘G’ being the least). However, compared to a domestic EPC which grading is based on running costs, a non domestic EPC is based on the carbon dioxide (CO²) the building is likely to omit. The carbon emission score comes from a theoretical prediction and is based on the thermal elements, heating, hot water, lighting type, the specific activity of each room, and these activities being used in a standardised way. This does differ from a display energy certificate which measures how much energy has been used over the preceding year.

When is a Commercial EPC required?

If any of the following apply:

• You rent out or sell the premises
• A building under construction is finished.
• There are changes to the number of parts used for separate occupation and these changes involve providing or extending fixed heating, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems

Fines could be issued if you do not comply with the above.

What are the exemptions to needing a commercial EPC?

If any of the following apply you won’t need a commercial is:

• Listed or officially protected and the minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter it
• A temporary building only going to be used for 2 years or less
• Used as a place of worship or for other religious activities
• An industrial site, workshop or non-residential agricultural building that doesn’t use much energy
• A detached building with a total floor space under 50 square metres
• Due to be demolished by the seller or landlord and they have all the relevant planning and conservation consents

What about exemptions for vacant or buildings to be demolished?
A building is also exempt if all of the following are true:

• It’s due to be sold or rented out with vacant possession
• It’s suitable for demolition and the site could be redeveloped
• The buyer or tenant has applied for planning permission to demolish it

At Ashby Energy, we have a wealth of experience within the energy & environmental consultancy field, and we help you achieve all your commercial EPC requirements by using a fully trained staff that have unquestionable experience and knowledge. If you have any further questions about commercial EPCs or any other service we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us.