EPC B by 2031: Is your commercial building ready?

The latest changes to the Government's Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards confirm that privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000 m² will be required to reach EPC B from 2031, subject to cost-effectiveness and exemptions.

The previously proposed 2027 EPC C milestone will not be taken forward.

While these changes give commercial landlords more time, the engineering challenge remains the same.

For larger buildings, achieving EPC B is likely to require more than simply replacing a boiler or adding solar panels.

Mechanical and electrical systems, controls, lighting, ventilation, heating, cooling and building fabric all need to work together.

An early M&E assessment can identify where investment is likely to have the greatest impact, helping to align compliance with improvements that genuinely reduce energy consumption and improve building performance.

The question shouldn't simply be:

"What will get me to EPC B?"

It should be:

"What improvements will make this building more efficient, lower running costs and improve its performance?"

If you're responsible for a commercial building and want to understand what these changes could mean for your property, speak to our team.