We are calling for a delay to changes to Energy Performance Certificate rules for commercial properties that are let out, while reform of the system takes place.
What are Energy Performance Certificates?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that rates a property’s energy performance on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient. You must have an EPC when you are selling or renting out a property.
Upcoming targets
From April 2027, landlords must not let out a commercial property that does not have at least an EPC level C, with this set to rise to level B from April 2030.
Issues with EPCs
Without a delay, the upcoming EPC targets will lead to significant issues across the hospitality sector.
This is the case due to some of the underlying assumptions behind calculating EPCs being outdated, coupled with the headline metric solely focusing on carbon.
As a result, businesses across the sector are finding it difficult to move up a band, despite significant investment in the energy efficiency of venues.
We are also aware of ongoing issues around the physical EPC assessment, with instances of similar and even identical properties receiving wildly different EPC scores.
Consultation and reform
In February 2025, the Government published a consultation on reform of EPCs. The consultation considered whether there should be a widening of EPC metrics to help build a more accurate picture of the ongoing measures that venues are taking to become more energy efficient.
We responded to the consultation, highlighting support for reform, but noting that this must be accompanied by an immediate delay to the upcoming 2027 and 2030 targets. We also noted support for historic buildings being exempt from EPCs and reducing the validity period of EPCs.
This is something that we continue to discuss with Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as a matter of urgency.
