Energy Performance Certificates (EPC): What Commercial Property Owners in London Must Know

Michel December 17, 2025

Energy efficiency is no longer optional for commercial property owners in the UK. Whether you own, lease, sell, or manage a commercial building, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in London is a legal requirement and a key factor in compliance, value, and lettability.

In this guide, we explain what an EPC is, how the EPC register works, how to check an EPC rating, and what London businesses must do to stay compliant.


What Is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows how energy efficient a property is. It gives the building an EPC rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

The EPC also includes:

  • Estimated energy costs

  • Carbon impact rating

  • Practical recommendations to improve efficiency

An EPC is required by law when a property is:

  • Sold

  • Let

  • Marketed to tenants

  • Newly built

Both domestic and commercial properties must have a valid EPC.


EPC Meaning for Commercial Properties

For commercial buildings, an EPC is often called a Commercial EPC or Non-Domestic EPC.

It applies to:

  • Offices

  • Shops and retail units

  • Restaurants and cafΓ©s

  • Warehouses

  • Industrial units

  • Mixed-use commercial buildings

A valid commercial energy performance certificate is required before marketing a property. Failure to comply can lead to financial penalties and enforcement action.

πŸ‘‰ You can learn more about professional commercial EPC services in London here:
Commercial EPC London


How to Check an EPC: EPC Register UK Explained

All EPCs in England and Wales are stored on the EPC Register UK, which is managed by the government.

Using the register, you can:

  • Check EPC rating

  • Find an EPC certificate

  • View EPC reports

  • Search EPC by postcode

Common searches include:

  • EPC checker

  • EPC register check

  • EPC certificate finder

  • EPC rating check

  • Find my EPC

This is useful for landlords, buyers, tenants, and compliance checks.


EPC Rating Requirements for UK Landlords (Commercial)

Under Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), most commercial properties must have an EPC rating of E or above to be legally let.

Key points:

  • Properties rated F or G cannot usually be rented

  • Exemptions must be registered on the EPC register

  • Future regulations are expected to tighten standards

Checking your EPC rating UK early helps avoid delays and lost rental income.


Domestic vs Commercial EPC: What’s the Difference?

Although the EPC purpose is the same, domestic EPCs and commercial EPCs are assessed differently.

Domestic EPC

  • Houses and flats

  • Residential rentals

  • Home sales

  • Simpler assessment

πŸ‘‰ Learn more about Domestic EPCs here:

Commercial EPC London

  • Business premises

  • Larger and more complex buildings

  • Requires a non-domestic EPC assessor

  • More detailed calculations

πŸ‘‰ Full EPC service overview:


How to Get an EPC Certificate in London

Many people ask:

  • How do I obtain an energy performance certificate?

  • How to get an EPC certificate?

  • EPC assessor near me?

The process is simple:

  1. Book a qualified EPC assessor

  2. On-site property inspection

  3. Energy data collected and analysed

  4. EPC report uploaded to the EPC register

  5. Certificate issued and downloadable

A professional assessor ensures the EPC is accurate, compliant, and accepted by the government.


How Long Does an EPC Certificate Last?

An EPC certificate is valid for 10 years, unless:

  • Major changes are made to the building

  • You want a better rating for compliance or value

Even if your EPC is still valid, it may be worth reassessing if the rating is too low for current regulations.


EPC Certificate Cost: What to Expect

The cost of an EPC depends on:

  • Property size

  • Property type

  • Complexity

  • Domestic vs commercial

Commercial EPCs usually cost more due to:

  • Larger floor areas

  • Complex layouts

  • HVAC systems

However, delaying an EPC can cost far more in lost deals or penalties.


Why EPCs Matter for Commercial Properties

A valid EPC helps:

  • Meet legal requirements

  • Improve property value

  • Reduce running costs

  • Attract better tenants

  • Support ESG and sustainability goals

Businesses increasingly look for energy-efficient premises. A poor EPC rating can make a property harder to let or sell.


EPC Services in London – Work With a Trusted Provider

If you need a reliable EPC in London, working with an experienced provider ensures:

  • Accurate EPC ratings

  • Fast turnaround

  • Full compliance with EPC government rules

  • Clear reports and advice

Safety Spectrum London provides EPC services for:

  • Commercial properties

  • Domestic homes

  • Landlords and managing agents

  • London-wide coverage


Contact Details

πŸ“ž Call Us: +44 20 4628 6504
πŸ“§ Email: info@safetyspectrumlondon.co.uk
πŸ“ Address: 14 Sebert Road, London, E7 0NQ

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