Tips to improve your commercial building’s EPC rating

As energy efficiency becomes increasingly central to property compliance and tenant demand, landlords and building managers are under growing pressure to improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of their commercial buildings. With Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation tightening, a poor EPC rating is more than just a red flag, it could soon limit your ability to lease the property altogether.

If your commercial property currently holds a D or lower EPC rating, here’s how you can upgrade it to a C or even a B, enhancing your asset’s value, reducing operational costs and ensuring regulatory compliance.

1. Start with a professional commercial EPC assessment

Before making any changes, commission a fresh EPC survey by an accredited assessor. This will identify the current weaknesses of your building and highlight areas for improvement. Older EPCs, especially those issued before 2018, may not reflect recent upgrades or may use outdated methodology.

2. Upgrade lighting systems

One of the quickest and most cost-effective improvements is replacing outdated lighting with LED systems. LEDs not only use significantly less energy but also last longer, reducing maintenance costs. Don’t forget to install occupancy sensors and daylight controls in areas with variable use, such as meeting rooms, corridors, or bathrooms.

3. Improve HVAC efficiency

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are major energy consumers in commercial buildings. You can:

• • Replace old boilers or chillers with high-efficiency models

• • Install variable speed drives on pumps and fans

• • Introduce smart building management systems (BMS) to optimise usage

Upgrading your HVAC system could be the single biggest factor in pushing your rating toward a B.

4. Enhance insulation and glazing

Poor insulation is a common cause of energy waste. Consider:

• • Adding roof and wall insulation

• • Replacing single glazing with double or triple glazing

• • Installing thermal window films or secondary glazing if full replacement isn’t feasible

These improvements significantly reduce heat loss and improve thermal comfort for occupants.

5. Review and upgrade building fabric

Air leakage and thermal bridging can undermine even the most efficient systems. Conduct an air-tightness test and seal gaps in the building envelope, particularly around doors, windows, and service penetrations.

6. Introduce renewable energy systems

If feasible, invest in on-site renewable technologies like solar panels or air-source heat pumps. Not only do they improve your EPC score, but they also offer long-term savings and green credentials, which are increasingly attractive to tenants and investors.

7. Implement energy monitoring and management

Installing sub-metering and energy monitoring software allows you to track usage patterns and identify inefficiencies. Over time, this helps to maintain performance and supports continual improvement.

8. Engage tenants in energy efficiency

In multi-tenant buildings, ensure lease agreements allow for shared responsibility or cooperation on energy improvements. Green leases can help align landlord and tenant interests when it comes to efficiency upgrades.

9. Document and model upgrades strategically

Before committing to major works, use building energy modelling to test which interventions will have the greatest impact. This ensures you invest in the most cost-effective measures with the highest EPC returns.

Final Thoughts

Improving a commercial property’s EPC rating isn’t just about ticking a regulatory box—it’s about future-proofing your investment, meeting tenant expectations, and doing your part in the net-zero transition. With the right approach, moving from a D to a B is entirely achievable.