Commercial EPC

Commercial EPCs Across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire & Shropshire

Independent accredited assessor providing Commercial Energy Performance Certificates for offices, warehouses, workshops, industrial premises, retail units and mixed-use buildings across the Midlands and surrounding regions.

Working directly with landlords, commercial agents, local authority, property managers and businesses to provide practical, compliant EPC assessments.

Commercial EPC Services

Barlow EPC provides non-domestic Energy Performance Certificates for a wide range of commercial property types.

Assessments are carried out for property sales, lettings, lease renewals and compliance requirements, with a practical approach to access arrangements, occupied premises and real-world building layouts.

The focus is on providing straightforward, professional EPC services with clear communication throughout the process.

Commercial Properties Commonly Assessed

Commercial EPC assessments are regularly carried out for:

Offices and office suites
Industrial units, workshops and warehouses
Retail premises and shop units
Restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments and hot food takeaways
Leisure and general assembly premises
Mixed-use properties
Multi-let commercial buildings
Business park buildings
Storage and distribution premises
Vacant and occupied commercial buildings

If your property type is not listed above, please get in touch to discuss the building and assessment requirements.

The Commercial EPC Process

Step 1 - Initial Enquiry

Provide the property address and any available information regarding the building size, use and occupancy.

Step 2 - Quote & Scheduling

Assessment arrangements are coordinated around tenant or occupier access, operational requirements and site availability.

Step 3 - Site Assessment

The inspection includes the modelling and collection of evidence relating to the building’s use, layout, dimensions, construction, heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, renewable and solar PV technologies, together with any other relevant building services.

Step 4 - EPC Lodgement

Once complete, the EPC is produced and lodged on the national register upon met transaction terms.

MEES & Commercial EPC Compliance

Commercial EPCs are often required for property sales, lettings and compliance with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

Landlords should be aware that commercial properties may be subject to restrictions where the EPC rating falls below the current minimum standard.

If required, guidance can also be provided regarding existing EPC validity and compliance considerations.

Why Choose Barlow EPC?

Independent, accredited assessor - direct communication throughout
Experience with practical commercial building layouts and occupancy arrangements
Assessments for both occupied and vacant premises
Professional and straightforward service
Coverage across the Midlands and surrounding regions
Trusted by landlords, agents, local authority and property professionals

Unlike larger national providers, all communication and assessments are handled directly by the assessor carrying out the work.

This allows for clearer communication, practical coordination and a more consistent service from enquiry through to completion.

Who Barlow EPC Works With

Commercial EPC services are regularly provided for:

Commercial landlords
Letting and estate agents
Property managers
Local authority and councils
Auctioneers
Businesses
Investors and portfolio landlords

Areas Covered

Commercial EPC coverage includes Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, South Yorkshire, the West Midlands and Shropshire.

Key areas: Derby, Nottingham, Chesterfield, Burton-on-Trent, Mansfield, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Cannock, Tamworth, Telford, Shrewsbury and surrounding areas.

Please get in touch for enquiries outside these areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do adjoining commercial units require separate EPCs?

This depends on how the units are configured, accessed and occupied. Factors such as heating systems, internal access arrangements and tenancy setup can affect whether separate EPCs are required.

Can a commercial EPC still be carried out if tenants are in occupation?

Yes. Commercial EPC assessments can usually be arranged around tenant occupation and normal business operations, subject to reasonable access being available.

What types of commercial buildings do you assess?

Assessments are regularly carried out for:

Offices
Industrial units
Warehouses and workshops
Storage and distribution units
Retail and professional services premises
Restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments and hot food takeaways
Leisure and general assembly premises
Mixed-use properties
Multi-let commercial buildings

Please get in touch if your property type is not listed above.

How long is a commercial EPC valid for?

Commercial EPCs are valid for 10 years unless superseded by a newer certificate.

Is a commercial EPC required to let or sell a property?

In many cases, yes. Commercial EPCs are typically required when a building is sold, let or constructed, subject to certain exemptions.

What information helps before a commercial EPC assessment?

Any available floor plans, specifications or information relating to building fabric and services, such as the heating, cooling, hot water, ventilation, lighting or renewable technology systems can assist with the assessment process.

Can vacant commercial buildings still be assessed?

Yes. Vacant buildings can usually be assessed provided suitable access is available.

Are industrial units, workshops and agricultural buildings exempt from EPC requirements?

Not always. Some low-energy demand buildings may qualify for exemption, but many industrial units and workshop premises still require EPCs depending on how they are serviced, constructed and used.

It is important to note that if tenants or occupiers alter the building services, modify the construction, or change the commercial use of the premises, this may trigger a requirement for EPC compliance where an exemption may previously have applied.

What happens if parts of the building are inaccessible?

The assessment can sometimes still proceed depending on the extent and importance of the inaccessible areas, though access limitations may affect assumptions required during the assessment.

It is strongly recommended that all relevant areas of the subject building are fully and safely accessible for assessment.

Does air conditioning affect a commercial EPC?

Yes. Air conditioning or split systems influence the EPC rating and should be included within the assessment where appropriate.

Can you assess mixed-used properties?

Yes. Mixed-used buildings containing both commercial and residential areas can be assessed, though the exact approach typically depends on access arrangements.

For example, a ground-floor shop unit with a flat above may require either one or two EPCs depending on access. If the shop and flat have their own independent access arrangements with no internal connection between them, then one commercial EPC for the shop and one domestic EPC for the flat is usually required. Where there is unobstructed internal connectivity between the shop and flat above, i.e. stairs within the shop clearly leading up to the flat, then one commercial EPC covering the whole building would likely be appropriate.

What is MEES and how does it affect commercial property?

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations can restrict the letting of certain commercial properties with low EPC ratings unless exemptions apply or improvement works are carried out.

Currently, the minimum required rating for letting commercial property is a Band E. Subject to final consultation, the minimum required ratings are set to increase to a Band C in 2028, followed by a Band B target for 2030.

Can existing EPCs be reused after building alterations or subdivision?

Not always. Changes to layout, services or occupancy arrangements may require a new EPC to accurately reflect the property in its current form.

Do listed buildings require a commercial EPC?

Listed buildings are not automatically exempt from requiring an EPC. Exemption may apply where compliance with minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter the character or appearance of the building.

Whether an exemption applies depends on the specific building, proposed transaction and level of protection, so listed properties should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How is the EPC rating calculated?

The rating is based on factors such as:

Construction, fabric and insulation
Heating, cooling and hot water systems
Lighting efficiency
Ventilation and exhausts
Renewable techologies
PV solar technologies
Glazing and doors
Building layout and interaction with adjoining structures
Areas within the building and their assumed associated energy demands

The assessment follows government-approved, standardised methodology for non-domestic buildings.

Do you cover properties outside Derbyshire?

Yes. Commercial EPC coverage includes Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, South Yorkshire, the West Midlands and Shropshire, with surrounding areas considered depending on the project.

Request a Commercial EPC Quote

To help provide an accurate quotation, please include:

Property address
Building type
Approximate floor area (if known)
Occupied or vacant status
Any available plans or documentation

Contact Barlow EPC