Note: This is a general guide for UK commercial property owners and professionals. Non-domestic EPC regulations, registers and processes differ across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Always check the current position on GOV.UK and the relevant national register before acting on any specific matter.
Start with the recommendation report
Every commercial EPC comes with a recommendation report listing the measures the calculation identifies as cost-effective, in order of payback. It is the right starting point — but treat it as a modelled shortlist, not a works specification, and sense-check it against the building's actual condition and plans.
The measures that usually move the rating
Lighting is the most common quick win: replacing fluorescent or discharge fittings with LEDs improves the rating in almost every building type. Heating controls, boiler replacement, and improved insulation follow. For air-conditioned offices, the efficiency of the cooling plant and how it is controlled can matter as much as the fabric.
Solar photovoltaic panels improve the calculated rating because the assessment credits on-site renewable generation. For landlords working towards MEES compliance, a combined lighting-and-PV approach is often the most cost-effective route.
Evidence matters
The assessor can only model what can be evidenced. If improvement works have been carried out, keep the specifications, commissioning certificates and invoices — defaults applied in the absence of evidence are deliberately conservative and can cost a full rating band. A reassessment after documented works is usually straightforward.
Next steps
If you'd like specific advice about a property or portfolio, request a quote and our in-house assessors will come back to you.