Commercial and domestic EPCs in the UK
The primary difference between a commercial and domestic Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in the UK lies in the type of property each certificate is intended for and the methodology used to assess energy efficiency.
- Property Type:
- Domestic EPC: A domestic EPC is designed for residential properties, including houses, flats, and apartments intended for private occupancy. It assesses the energy efficiency of the property’s domestic heating, hot water, lighting, and ventilation systems.
- Commercial EPC: A commercial EPC is intended for non-residential properties, such as offices, shops, warehouses, and public buildings. It assesses the energy efficiency of the property’s commercial heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation systems, as well as other factors specific to commercial premises.
- Assessment Methodology:
- Domestic EPC: The assessment for a domestic EPC typically involves an on-site visit by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). The DEA evaluates various aspects of the property, including its construction, insulation, heating system, hot water system, ventilation, and lighting. Based on this assessment, the DEA assigns the property an energy efficiency rating on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
- Commercial EPC: The assessment for a commercial EPC is usually more complex and may involve a Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA). The NDEA considers factors such as the building’s floor area, construction materials, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and ventilation. They use specialized software to calculate the property’s energy performance and assign an energy efficiency rating.
- Legal Requirements:
- Domestic EPC: In the UK, a domestic EPC is required whenever a residential property is built, sold, or rented out. It must be made available to potential buyers or tenants when the property is marketed for sale or rent.
- Commercial EPC: Similarly, a commercial EPC is mandatory for non-residential properties when they are built, sold, or rented out. Commercial property owners are required to display the EPC in a prominent location within the building and provide it to prospective tenants or buyers.
Overall, while both domestic and commercial EPCs serve to assess and communicate the energy efficiency of properties, they differ in their scope, assessment methodology, and legal requirements based on the type of property they are intended for.
