Contributors:
Kirsty Penfold
Head of Maintenance
Kirsty is our Head of Maintenance, and oversees all maintenance operations, managing staff and fostering a culture built on exceptional customer service. As someone who hates the cold, you will almost always find her wrapped up in a coat.
As the UK tightens its energy regulations in pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, commercial landlords and tenants must prepare for stricter Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements.
In 2026, all rented commercial properties must legally meet a minimum EPC rating of E, with further upgrades to come in the near future. If your office space is still rated F or G, now is the time to act. Here are five practical ways to future-proof your workspace and stay compliant.
Contributors:
Kirsty Penfold
Head of Maintenance
Kirsty is our Head of Maintenance, and oversees all maintenance operations, managing staff and fostering a culture built on exceptional customer service. As someone who hates the cold, you will almost always find her wrapped up in a coat.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures how energy-efficient a building is. It’s a legal requirement for all commercial properties in the UK and plays a key role in helping buyers and tenants understand both the running costs and environmental impact of a space.
EPCs provide a standardised rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), based on factors like insulation, heating systems, and lighting.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required whenever you sell or lease a commercial property, carry out major renovations that impact energy efficiency, or construct a new commercial building. Having a valid EPC ensures compliance with regulations and provides clarity on the property’s energy performance.
The UK government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 is driving major changes in how commercial buildings are assessed and regulated. With buildings responsible for over 20% of the UK’s carbon output, improving their energy efficiency is a critical part of the national strategy.
From April 2025, new rules apply to all non-domestic rented commercial properties: Minimum EPC Rating of ‘E’ for All Commercial Leases. Previously, only new leases had to meet the minimum EPC rating of E. Starting in 2025, all let commercial properties must comply, regardless of their lease status. This includes offices, retail units, warehouses, and mixed-use spaces.
Stricter enforcement means non-compliance can have serious consequences. Penalties include substantial fines ranging from £5,000 to £150,000, public listing on the PRS Exemptions Register, and even the risk of lease agreements being declared invalid. Staying compliant is essential to avoid financial and reputational damage.
Local authorities will have increased powers to inspect and enforce these rules, with less leniency than in previous years.
Future-proofing your property is essential, as the latest update is only the start. The government plans are tightening, with EPC Band C as the next target and Band B to follow, where improvements are cost-effective. These milestones mean that buildings currently rated E will almost certainly require upgrades in the coming years, making early action a smart investment.
If you own or lease commercial property, now is the time to act. Upgrading energy performance isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting asset value, attracting tenants, and aligning with sustainability goals.
So what can you do right now to get ahead? …
Before making any changes, understand your building’s current energy performance. A qualified energy assessor can identify inefficiencies and provide a roadmap for improvement.
At COEL, we have certified in-house assessment capabilities, as well as partnering with certified energy assessors to deliver detailed EPC audits. These assessments identify areas for improvement and form the foundation for retrofit and fit out strategies tailored to your building.
Why it matters: An audit highlights hidden energy waste and helps prioritise upgrades that deliver the best return on investment.
Lighting accounts for up to 40% of energy use in commercial buildings. Replacing outdated fixtures with LED lighting and occupancy sensors can significantly reduce consumption.
Quick win: Smart lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to boost your EPC rating.
COEL’s fit out packages include LED upgrades and smart lighting controls as standard, helping clients achieve quick EPC wins with minimal disruption.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are major energy consumers. Upgrading to energy-efficient models and integrating Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) allows for real-time monitoring and control.
Impact: Smart HVAC systems can dramatically improve energy efficiency and comfort levels for occupants.
COEL integrates HVAC upgrades into its CAT A and CAT A+ fit-outs, ensuring systems are not only compliant but also optimised for long-term performance.
Poor insulation leads to heat loss and higher energy bills. Consider adding roof and wall insulation, upgrading windows to double or triple glazing, and sealing air leaks.
Long-term benefit: Better insulation not only improves your EPC score but also reduces operational costs and enhances tenant satisfaction.
COEL’s retrofit services include insulation enhancements and glazing upgrades, designed to meet EPC Band C and B targets ahead of future deadlines.
Installing solar panels or other renewable technologies can significantly improve your EPC rating. These systems are increasingly favoured in EPC assessments and align with the UK’s carbon reduction goals.
Sustainable edge: Renewable energy enhances your building’s green credentials and may qualify for government incentives.
COEL can advise on renewable energy integration and coordinate with trusted partners to deliver turnkey solutions that align with your sustainability goals.
With enforcement tightening and fines for non-compliance reaching up to £150,000, achieving EPC compliance is becoming one of the most pressing considerations for commercial landlords. By acting now, you not only avoid penalties but also create a more sustainable, cost-efficient, and marketable workspace.
At COEL, we’re committed to helping businesses across Cambridge and beyond design and build future-ready offices.
Our EPC support includes:
Whether you’re a landlord preparing for legislation changes or a tenant seeking a compliant workspace, our team offers tailored solutions to meet your needs.
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