Helping two local business warehouses to improve their commercial EPC ratings with air tightness testing in Bristol.
This case study explores how our air testing service helped two Bristol businesses achieve significant improvements in their commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings. By carrying out air tightness tests we were able to help them achieve:
- Improved EPC ratings through increased accuracy
- A cost-effective solution compared to alternative options
- Minimal disruption to daily operations throughout the process
Background: How Air Tightness Testing Improves EPCs
A strong EPC rating is essential for businesses in today’s commercial market. It can save you money, boost your property value, and ensure regulatory compliance. We understand the challenges businesses face in achieving high EPC ratings – especially when it comes to older buildings with outdated building materials and inefficient systems. The most effective tool that we utilise to help businesses improve their commercial EPC rating is air tightness testing.
Air testing involves using specialised equipment to measure a building’s air permeability, meaning how much air leaks through the building envelope. Standard EPC assessments rely on default values for air permeability and more often that not, these default values are inaccurate. This is a particular problem for older buildings and can negatively impact your building’s EPC score as a result. An air tightness test of the property often achieves a much lower result than the default value provided, consequently enabling a more accurate EPC rating.
The Case Studies: Commercial EPC & Air Tests, Bristol Warehouses
We have carried out many commercial EPCs in which clients did not meet MEES regulations, or were a couple of points off a higher rating. These clients wanted a cost effective way of increasing their EPC ratings with minimal disruption in a timely manner, and our service was able to make that possible.
Case Study 1: Air Testing Meets MEES
- Client: A client owned a 1970s warehouse in Avonmouth, Bristol and still used the original main heating system of heating oil.
- Challenge: The use of heating oil heavily penalises an EPC rating due to the cost of heating the oil, so the warehouse had a failing EPC rating F. This also fails to meet MEES regulations (minimum E rating). The client urgently needed a MEES-compliant EPC, as they were in the process of selling and leasing back the property. So they asked us if there was anything they could do to improve their rating that was both fast and cost-effective.
- Solution: We calculated that if the building could achieve an air permeability of 15 or below then the EPC rating would improve to a D. The client was interested in the idea of an air test as long as it was cost effective and could be carried out during a quiet time in the warehouse, as they operate 24/7. We arranged for a two fan test with the client to be carried out on a Saturday morning.
- Results: The air test revealed an air permeability of 7 – much better than the previously used default value of 25. This significantly improved the modelled energy performance of the warehouse and the EPC rating jumped from F to a high D. This exceeded MEES requirements, allowing the sale and leaseback to proceed smoothly. Air testing proved a quick and cost-effective solution compared to replacing the entire heating system.
Case Study 2: EPC A Rating Achieved With Air Testing
- Client: Another commercial client of ours had a recently retrofitted warehouse in Yate, Bristol.
- Challenge: Despite new cladding, roof, and building services, the EPC rating was a high B and just a couple of points short of an A.
- Solution: We recommended that conducting an air test to replace the inaccurate default value could improve the rating, getting it up to an A. Our client was eager to go ahead with this.
- Results: The test achieved a good air permeability of 15, which relaced the default value and successfully got the EPC the extra few points it needed to result in an A rating.
What’s Next?
Our team is here to help you achieve a more accurate and higher EPC rating for your commercial property with air tightness testing. Our extensive experience in commercial EPCs and air testing, all fulfilled in-house by our qualified professionals, gives us the knowledge, flexibility and skills needed to get your business a more accurate EPC rating. Get in touch today for a free quote or to discuss your specific requirements.
