In 2026, improving your Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is no longer just about compliance—it directly affects lettability, property value, operating costs, and long-term business sustainability.
With rising energy prices and tighter enforcement of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), commercial landlords and business owners must actively manage and improve energy performance to remain competitive and compliant.
This guide explains practical, cost-effective strategies to improve Commercial EPC ratings in 2026, helping you future-proof your property.
Why Improving Your Commercial EPC Rating Matters in 2026
A stronger EPC rating helps businesses and landlords to:
Meet legal and MEES compliance
Avoid fines and enforcement action
Reduce operational energy costs
Increase property value and rental appeal
Attract sustainability-focused tenants and investors
Buildings with poor EPC ratings (E, F, or G) may face leasing restrictions, lower demand, or mandatory improvement requirements.
How Commercial EPC Ratings Are Calculated
A Commercial EPC rating is based on:
Building fabric (walls, roofs, insulation, glazing)
Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems (HVAC)
Lighting efficiency and controls
Hot water systems
Renewable energy installations
Building layout and usage patterns
Understanding these factors allows targeted improvements that deliver the greatest EPC uplift.
Energy Efficiency Strategies to Improve Commercial EPC Ratings
1. Upgrade Lighting Systems
Lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades.
Recommended actions:
Replace fluorescent or halogen lights with LED lighting
Install occupancy sensors and daylight controls
Zone lighting to avoid unnecessary usage
EPC impact:
✔ Improves efficiency score
✔ Reduces electricity costs immediately
2. Improve Heating and Cooling Efficiency
Outdated HVAC systems are a major contributor to poor EPC ratings.
Strategies include:
Replacing old boilers with high-efficiency condensing boilers
Installing modern heat pumps where suitable
Upgrading chillers and air handling units
Adding smart thermostats and zoning controls
EPC impact:
✔ Significant rating improvement
✔ Lower energy consumption
3. Enhance Building Insulation and Fabric
Improving the building envelope reduces heat loss and energy demand.
Key upgrades:
Roof and loft insulation
Wall insulation (where feasible)
Insulated pipework and ducting
Draught-proofing doors and service penetrations
EPC impact:
✔ Improves thermal performance
✔ Supports long-term efficiency gains
4. Upgrade Windows and Glazing
Poor glazing contributes heavily to heat loss.
Effective solutions:
Double or triple glazing
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass
Secondary glazing for older buildings
EPC impact:
✔ Improves insulation score
✔ Enhances occupant comfort
5. Install Renewable Energy Systems
Renewable energy significantly boosts EPC ratings.
Common options:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
Solar thermal hot water systems
Ground or air-source heat pumps
EPC impact:
✔ High rating improvement potential
✔ Supports sustainability and ESG goals
6. Implement Smart Energy Management Systems
Smart systems help control and monitor energy use.
Recommended technologies:
Building Management Systems (BMS)
Smart meters and real-time energy monitoring
Automated HVAC and lighting controls
EPC impact:
✔ Optimises energy performance
✔ Demonstrates efficient building operation
7. Address Zoning and Usage Efficiency
Commercial EPCs assess how energy is used across different areas.
Optimisation strategies:
Separate heating and lighting zones
Reduce operating hours in low-use areas
Align system usage with occupancy patterns
EPC impact:
✔ Improves calculation accuracy
✔ Prevents energy waste
Preparing for Reassessment After Improvements
Once upgrades are completed:
Keep documentation of all improvements
Update system specifications and energy data
Book a new Commercial EPC assessment
A reassessment ensures improvements are properly reflected in your EPC rating.
🔗 Book a Commercial EPC Assessment:
https://epcrate.co.uk/booking/
Commercial EPC Improvement Costs vs Benefits
While some upgrades require upfront investment, benefits include:
Reduced energy bills
Higher rental income potential
Improved asset value
Long-term MEES compliance
Many energy improvements offer short-to-medium-term payback, making them financially viable as well as compliant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Upgrading systems without EPC impact planning
Failing to document improvements
Delaying reassessment after upgrades
Ignoring building fabric in favour of systems only
A strategic, assessor-informed approach delivers better results.
FAQs: Improving Commercial EPC Ratings in 2026
Are EPC improvements mandatory?
Improvements may be required to meet MEES standards before leasing.
How much can an EPC rating improve?
This depends on the building, but targeted upgrades can move a property up one or more EPC bands.
Do tenants benefit from EPC improvements?
Yes—lower energy costs and better comfort improve tenant satisfaction.
Why Work with EPCrate
EPCrate supports commercial landlords and businesses with:
Accredited Commercial EPC assessments
MEES-focused improvement guidance
Clear pricing and fast turnaround
🔗 Commercial EPC Services: https://epcrate.co.uk/services-epc-assessors-london/
🔗 Pricing: https://epcrate.co.uk/pricing/
🔗 Contact EPCrate: https://epcrate.co.uk/contact-us-epc-services-london/
Conclusion
In 2026, improving your Commercial EPC rating is essential for:
Legal compliance
Energy cost reduction
Property value protection
Long-term sustainability
By upgrading lighting, HVAC systems, insulation, glazing, and renewable energy solutions, businesses can achieve higher EPC ratings and future-proof their commercial assets.
👉 Plan your EPC improvements today and book a reassessment with EPCrate to stay compliant in 2026.
Ensure your property is compliant and energy-efficient — book a certified Domestic EPC with EPCrate today.
Address: 150–160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX
Phone: 020 3488 4142
Email: info@epcrate.co.uk
