The Government has provided further clarity on the future of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), publishing its partial response to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) regime.

Whilst no immediate legislative changes have been introduced, the response provides welcome certainty for owners and managers of commercial property. It also reinforces the importance of improving building performance now rather than waiting for future compliance deadlines.

What Has Changed?

The Government has confirmed that the current non-domestic EPC framework will remain largely unchanged whilst further legislation is developed.

The key proposals include:

• EPCs will continue to remain valid for 10 years
• Carbon emissions will remain the primary metric for non-domestic EPCs

EPCs are expected to be required before a property is marketed, ensuring prospective buyers and tenants have access to performance information earlier in the transaction process

Further guidance is expected for HMOs, heritage buildings, serviced accommodation and the circumstances where a new EPC may be required when an existing certificate expires

The reforms remain subject to further consultation and legislation before coming into force.

Why This Matters

Energy Performance Certificates have become much more than a compliance requirement.

They influence investment decisions, asset values, operational costs, ESG reporting and tenant expectations. As energy costs continue to rise and sustainability targets become more demanding, understanding how efficiently a building performs is increasingly important.

For commercial landlords, managing agents and facilities managers, the latest announcement provides an opportunity to plan ahead with confidence.

Looking Beyond EPC Compliance

An EPC provides a useful snapshot of a building's theoretical energy performance, but it does not tell the whole story.

Buildings with similar EPC ratings can perform very differently in day-to-day operation depending on how heating, ventilation, air conditioning and building controls are managed.

Improving operational performance often delivers significant reductions in energy consumption without major capital investment.

Simple measures such as optimising Building Management Systems (BMS), reviewing HVAC operating schedules, improving controls and addressing inefficient plant can reduce running costs, lower carbon emissions and support future EPC improvements.

The Direction of Travel

Alongside EPC reform, the Government continues to develop proposals for tighter Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for commercial buildings.

Although the final requirements are still being developed, the direction is clear: commercial buildings will be expected to become more energy efficient over the coming years.

Organisations that begin improving building performance now are likely to be better prepared for future regulatory changes whilst benefiting from immediate operational savings.

Separate reforms to domestic EPCs and the private rented sector are also progressing. Whilst these proposals are largely aimed at residential housing, they demonstrate the Government's continued commitment to improving energy efficiency across the entire built environment.

How Evotech Technical Services Can Help

At Evotech Technical Services, we help commercial property owners, managing agents and facilities managers improve the operational performance of their buildings.

Our Building Performance approach focuses on reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions and improving occupant comfort through services including:

• Building Performance Audits
• HVAC optimisation
• myBEMS Remote HVAC Optimisation
• Building Management System optimisation
• TM44 Air Conditioning Inspections
• Planned Preventative Maintenance
• Energy monitoring and performance reporting
• EPC improvement strategies for commercial buildings

Rather than viewing EPCs as a compliance exercise every ten years, we help clients use them as part of a wider Building Performance strategy that delivers measurable operational and financial benefits.

Looking Ahead

The latest Government announcements provide reassurance rather than disruption. The core principles of the commercial EPC framework remain unchanged, giving organisations time to prepare for future reforms.

The most successful organisations won't wait for legislation before taking action. They'll improve building performance today - reducing operating costs, lowering carbon emissions and protecting the long-term value of their commercial property portfolios.

Further Reading

For the latest Government guidance on EPC reform and energy performance standards, visit:

Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime – Partial Government Response

Improving the Energy Performance of Privately Rented Sector Homes – Government Response

Non-Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) – Interim Government Response