A commercial EPC is a legal requirement for many business premises in the UK to comply with regulations. But what exactly does a commercial energy assessor do, and why is their work so important? Whether you’re a property owner, manager, or developer, read this guide to understand a commercial energy assessor’s role and value.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
- Who commercial energy assessors are and what their role entails
- The core responsibilities of a commercial energy assessor
- Why EPC assessments are important for commercial buildings
- What sets our assessors apart
Who Is a Commercial Energy Assessor?
A commercial energy assessor is a qualified professional responsible for evaluating the energy efficiency of non-domestic buildings. Through detailed inspections, they analyse how a building consumes energy and issue a Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your business premises, which rates the property’s efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
This certificate is more than a legal requirement; it provides actionable insights to help businesses enhance energy performance and reduce their carbon footprint. Unlike domestic EPCs, which are based on energy cost, commercial EPCs are calculated based on carbon emissions, offering a more accurate reflection of your building’s environmental impact.
Commercial EPC Assessors bring expertise to ensure precise evaluations and compliance with industry regulations. By adhering to strict guidelines, standards, and certifications, assessors deliver accurate and consistent assessments, essential for meeting legal requirements and supporting energy-efficient practices in the built environment.
What Does a Commercial Energy Assessor Do?
The role of a commercial energy assessor involves evaluating a building’s energy performance and providing recommendations to improve efficiency.
A Commercial energy assessor uses detailed knowledge of non-domestic construction techniques and services, to generate an accurate EPC score that informs building owners and tenants about the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of their buildings. This can then be used as a first step to benchmark the building against future improvements while meeting minimum energy efficiency standards.
Richard Millard, Sustainability Consultant at Building Energy Experts
Here’s a breakdown of their core tasks:
- On-Site Inspections
Assessors conduct a comprehensive on-site inspection to evaluate structural elements like insulation, heating, ventilation, lighting, and air conditioning systems. These systems significantly impact a building’s energy consumption and efficiency. - Collecting and Analysing Data
Assessors gather detailed data on the property’s energy systems and identify areas where energy is lost, such as through heat leaks around windows or poorly insulated walls. - Calculating an Energy Performance Rating
Using the data collected, assessors calculate the building’s energy rating based on carbon emissions (not cost) using tools like SBEM software (e.g., DesignBuilder). This software generates a 3D model of the building, simulating its energy performance to produce an accurate EPC. View an example certificate here. - Providing Recommendations for Improvement
Assessors offer tailored recommendations for enhancing energy efficiency. Suggestions may include upgrading insulation, replacing outdated lighting systems or optimising heating and cooling setups. These recommendations help businesses save on energy costs, improve EPC ratings, and meet compliance requirements like the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
The Importance of EPC Standards for Commercial Buildings
Compliance with EPC standards offers more than regulatory assurance:
- Cost Optimisation: Improved energy efficiency reduces operational costs.
- Marketability: Energy-efficient buildings are more attractive to tenants or buyers.
- Sustainability: Meeting EPC standards supports Net Zero goals.
With the reintroduction of MEES, commercial properties must meet minimum efficiency thresholds to remain compliant. Non-compliance could lead to fines or restrictions on leasing properties. You can read the UK Government’s guidance on EPCs for commercial buildings here.
What Sets Our Assessors Apart
We go beyond basic assessments. Our energy assessors utilise advanced thermographic imaging and air tightness testing to deliver more precise, actionable data. Our reports offer tailored recommendations based on each building’s specific needs, helping our clients maximise energy efficiency and realise cost savings.
Did you know? Including air tightness test results in your commercial EPC assessment can significantly improve your energy rating, ensuring that your building meets compliance standards. Read our case study to learn how it works:
We’re committed to an approach that doesn’t just evaluate – it enables businesses to make impactful improvements to their energy strategies. Our expert team delivers a thorough, tailored service that sets us apart.
What’s Next?
Take the first step toward better energy efficiency and compliance. Contact us today to book your commercial EPC assessment, with optional advanced testing to enhance the accuracy of your results.
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