How a Commercial EPC is Calculated: What Goes Into the Process
Commercial EPCs, or Energy Performance Certificates, are required for all non-residential buildings in the UK. The purpose of an EPC is to measure a building’s energy efficiency and provide recommendations for improvement. In this blog post, we will take a look at how a commercial EPC is calculated and what goes into the process.
The Rating System
Commercial EPCs are rated on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient. The rating is determined by calculating the building’s “carbon dioxide equivalent emissions” (CO₂e). This is done by multiplying the amount of energy used in the building by its carbon dioxide emissions factor.
Systems that are Considered in an EPC Assessment
For commercial buildings, any systems that are expected to produce heating, mechanical ventilation, or air conditioning are included in the EPC assessment. This includes:
– Heating and Cooling Systems
– Power Generation Systems (if applicable)
– Refrigeration Units
If you have these systems that operate in part of a building and not its entirety also, the EPC will still assess those systems. Partial buildings are included in an EPC calculation, for both new and existing construction.
The Difference Between a Domestic and Commercial EPC
The calculation for a commercial EPC is much more in-depth than that of a domestic EPC. This is because, typically, the commercial sector has more complex systems and consumes more energy. SBEM Calculations are used to generate a commercial EPC, and they take into account all of the factors mentioned above.
A domestic property is typically a one or two-bedroom home, whereas a commercial property can be anything from an office building to a hospital. The types of systems that are found in these properties vary greatly and must be considered when generating an EPC rating
Commercial buildings are also categorised into three levels of EPC intensity: A, B and C. This is based on the amount of energy a building consumes annually in kWh/m².
Commercial energy performance reports must be carried out by an NDEA qualified assessor like A&C Surveys to ensure full compliance with the Regulations.
Final Word
The commercial EPC rating system is a standardised way to evaluate how well a building performs in terms of energy efficiency.
Understanding the difference between a domestic and commercial EPC, what goes into an assessment process, and which systems are considered in this type of evaluation can help you make more informed decisions about your own property.
If you’re looking for professional support with getting your commercial or domestic properties assessed by an accredited energy assessor who specialises in these types of assessments, contact A & C Surveys today.