An EPC, or energy performance certificate, is a metric that determines how energy efficient your property is. Your business’ EPC rating can directly influence your commercial property’s value, environmental impact, and compliance with regulations.
If you’ve been looking for ways to improve your commercial EPC rating, you’ve come to the right place.
One significant approach to improve the energy efficiency rating of your building is by introducing energy efficiency upgrades in your electrical infrastructure. In this blog, we’re exploring everything you should know about commercial EPC ratings, including how electrical systems influence EPC, and the electrical upgrades to improve your commercial EPC.
Your commercial energy performance certificate, or EPC, features a rating that falls between A and G, depending on how energy efficient your property is. A denotes highly efficient, while G denotes least efficient. The higher your EPC rating, the better it is for your property and business.
A good EPC rating directly impacts your property’s leasing potential, resale value, and compliance with the UK’s electrical requirements for commercial buildings, including MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) in the UK. EPC certificates are a legal requirement for commercial and residential properties before selling or renting, and come with a 10-year validity.
Following the below recommendations can help you improve your energy efficiency rating with minimal energy efficiency upgrades and effort. Even a slight improvement in your property’s EPC rating band can improve your business’ sustainability credentials.
Your electrical system is a major contributor to your commercial property’s energy consumption. The age of your property further impacts your commercial EPC rating. Older HVAC systems and poorly maintained lighting are just two of the electrical elements that contribute to high carbon emissions and excessive energy use, which lowers an EPC score.
When it comes to energy efficiency upgrades, the smallest enhancements made to your electrical system can have a lasting effect on your EPC rating and significantly lower your energy needs to run your business.
Here are 5 electrical upgrades that can improve your energy efficiency rating.
Many commercial properties end up consuming more energy than necessary by running on incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent lights. Switching these conventional choices to LED lighting systems is a simple and effective way to boost your energy efficiency rating.
LED lights are designed to use 75% less energy than conventional incandescent lights and have a longer lifespan. Adding motion sensors and daylight harvesting technologies to your lighting system can further boost its efficiency and have a positive effect on your EPC rating.
Oaktree Electrical can help you improve your lighting system with LED lights and bulbs. Call or email our team today to learn more.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems consume the most energy in commercial properties. Substituting old HVAC systems with modern, high-efficiency models with heat recovery technologies can lower energy consumption in commercial buildings.
Alternatively, upgrade your HVAC systems with smart energy technology to further improve your EPC assessment.
A Smart Building Management System, or Smart BMS, is (as the name suggests) a smart way to integrate and control HVAC, lighting, security, and other systems on your premises.
It works as a smart energy management system, allowing you to adjust energy consumption in real-time by studying occupancy patterns and environmental conditions. These smart and advanced energy management systems often contribute to better EPC ratings.
A good way to future-proof your business and improve your EPC rating is to integrate renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and ground source heat pumps to generate clean energy on your site.
Solar systems can turn excess energy into carbon credits, which can be further used to offset carbon emissions. These can play an important role in meeting your organisation’s sustainability goals and reaching net zero. Your company can also trade these credits for a profit to organisations that need support in reaching their net-zero targets.
Your property’s insulation is more than just a structural improvement; it keeps warm air from escaping and controls indoor temperature.
Combining better insulation with enhanced electrical control with programmable or smart thermostats and temperature zoning systems can boost your property’s thermal efficiency and raise its EPC score.
The key to keeping your electrical system in the best condition is committing to regular electrical maintenance. Trust a reliable, NICEIC-approved electrical contractor like Oaktree Electrical for uncompromised safety checks and maintenance services along with energy efficiency upgrades.
Improving your commercial property’s electrical system is an impactful energy efficiency upgrade that naturally improves your EPC rating. With rising energy costs and stricter government regulations, commercial property owners can no longer ignore the energy efficiency of their property. Implement these five key electrical upgrades with our help and see your EPC rating climb higher.
For years, Oaktree Electrical has helped businesses achieve optimal performance with a wide range of electrical services for commercial and industrial businesses. Our team is here to work with you to ensure your property adheres to the UK’s energy regulations while improving the energy efficiency rating of your business’s buildings.
From EV charger installation to LED lighting upgrades, you can count on us to offer professional and reliable services in and around Kent, London, and South East London.
Call or email our team today to learn how we can enhance your commercial EPC rating.
