A Commercial EPC — technically a Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate (NDEPC) — is a legal requirement for every commercial building sold, let or newly built in England and Wales. Our accredited Non-Domestic Energy Assessors (NDEAs) produce Level 3 EPCs using SBEM modelling for offices, retail, industrial, hospitality and mixed-use property across the South West.
A Commercial EPC (NDEPC) is a legally-required rating from A to G of a non-domestic building's energy performance, produced from an SBEM asset-rating model. Certificates are valid for 10 years and lodged on the EPC Register.
On sale, on grant of a new lease, on assignment of an existing lease, and on practical completion of a new build or major refurbishment. The certificate must be advertised on the marketing particulars.
Since April 2023 it is unlawful to continue to let a commercial property rated F or G without a registered exemption. The minimum is expected to rise to Band C in 2027 and Band B in 2030 for all lettings.
On-site NDEPC assessments across the whole South West including Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Barnstaple, Truro, Falmouth, Newquay, Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Bournemouth, Poole and Dorchester. Bristol / Bath / North Somerset also covered.
From £250 for small units up to ~500 m². Medium (500–2,000 m²) typically £400–£800. Site visit usually within 1–2 weeks of quote; lodged within 5–7 working days of visit. No VAT to pay.
A Commercial EPC — formally called a Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate (NDEPC) — is a legal energy rating for any non-dwelling in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It rates the building from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is produced by an accredited Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) using SBEM or DSM software. The certificate is valid for 10 years and is required whenever a commercial building is constructed, sold or let.
Yes, under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 you must have a valid Commercial EPC whenever a non-domestic property is marketed for sale or let, and on completion of a new build. Since April 2023 the MEES regulations also make it unlawful to continue to let a commercial property rated F or G — the minimum standard is currently E and the government has consulted on raising this to C by 2027 and B by 2030.
All three produce the same official certificate. The level reflects the complexity of the building. A Level 3 EPC — the one we specialise in across the South West — covers simple buildings such as offices, shops, warehouses, small industrial units, pubs, cafés, surgeries and similar premises. Most small and medium commercial properties in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset fall comfortably into Level 3, which keeps the assessment efficient and the price proportionate.
SBEM — the Simplified Building Energy Model — is the government-approved calculation engine used to produce a Level 3 Commercial EPC. Our assessor measures the building, records fabric U-values, heating/cooling plant, lighting, ventilation and domestic hot water, and the SBEM software models annual CO₂ emissions. The rating is a comparison against a hypothetical notional building of the same geometry built to current Building Regulations.
Our Level 3 Commercial EPC pricing starts at £250 for simple small premises (up to around 500 m²). Medium warehouses, retail parades and offices of 500–2,000 m² are typically £400–£800. Larger or multi-unit properties are priced individually. Travel surcharges to more remote parts of Cornwall, North Devon and North Dorset are calculated at booking so the total is transparent before you pay.
For most Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall commercial properties we can attend site within 5–7 working days of booking. The survey itself takes 1–3 hours depending on size and complexity. The finished NDEPC is usually lodged on the national register and emailed to you within a further 5–7 working days. Urgent same-week service is available on request.
You cannot legally continue to let it unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. We offer a separate MEES Commercial Advice Report that models practical improvement options (LED lighting, heating controls, insulation, PV etc), their payback and the resulting rating. The advice report and the EPC are designed to work together so you have a defensible compliance file for your tenants, lenders and insurers.
Call 01392 980077 or get a quote online.