Everything you need to know about the non-residential EPC

What is a Non-Residential EPC?

The Non-Residential Energy Performance Certificate (EPC NR) differs from the standard EPC used for residential properties. While a residential EPC evaluates the energy efficiency of homes, the EPC NR focuses on non-residential buildings such as offices, industrial facilities, retail spaces, and other commercial properties.

The certificate serves two key purposes. First, it provides insight into a building’s current energy performance. Second, it outlines the improvements required to align the building with long-term carbon neutrality objectives.

How is the Non-Residential EPC Structured?

The EPC NR consists of three main components:

• Energy label (A to G): Based on actual energy consumption and the share of renewable energy used within the building.
• Energy score: A theoretical assessment of the building's energy performance, expressed in kWh primary energy per square metre (kWhprim/m²).
• Improvement recommendations: A list of potential measures that can help improve the building’s energy performance and support long-term sustainability goals.

What Do You Need to Obtain a Non-Residential EPC?

To obtain an EPC NR, building owners must provide at least one year of energy meter readings and arrange an on-site inspection by a certified energy expert. During this assessment, the expert gathers supporting information, including insulation levels, glazing specifications, heating and cooling systems, and other relevant building characteristics.

While the EPC NR provides valuable insights, it does not indicate which improvement measures should be prioritised. This is where Encon can add significant value.

With more than 22 years of experience in sustainability and energy management, Encon helps organisations identify the measures that will deliver the greatest impact on both their EPC rating and overall sustainability performance. We can also connect EPC NR results with broader frameworks and certifications, such as the EU Taxonomy and BREEAM, enabling organisations to identify synergies and maximise the value of their sustainability investments.

Why is the EPC NR Becoming Increasingly Important?

The regulatory requirements for non-residential buildings will become progressively stricter in the coming years. Buildings that fail to meet the minimum performance standards risk falling into the so-called "grey zone", where reduced energy performance can negatively impact property value and potentially create significant financial risks.

As a result, property owners and facility managers are increasingly seeking ways to ensure their buildings remain within the desired performance range and retain their market value over the long term.

Although many organisations can provide an EPC certificate, the resulting report often lacks the detailed analysis needed to translate recommendations into a practical and cost-effective action plan.

At Encon, we step in by analysing what is needed to improve performance. We look at the costs and how they affect the EPC rating and CO2 emissions. This allows us to draw up a plan showing the minimum measures required to maintain value until 2050. Clients can spread the costs over a long period. We are one of the first companies to adopt this approach. We offer clients a clear plan, based on concrete data, so that they know exactly what they need to do to maintain the value of their properties. Below is a brief timeline showing the compliance dates (each on 1 January of the relevant year).

Encon can quantify potential improvement measures based on investment costs, impact on CO₂ emissions and impact on the EPC rating. Together with the client, we draw up a roadmap containing all possible recommendations, with the aim of ensuring that the building does not fall short of the carbon neutrality target. This ensures that the buildings remain relevant.