Commercial EPC for Restaurants, Gyms and Retail Units: What London Businesses Must Know

If you operate a restaurant, gym, or retail unit in London, you may legally need a Commercial EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).

Many business owners only discover this requirement when they are:

• signing a new lease

• renewing a commercial lease

• selling a commercial property

• marketing a business premises

At that point the same questions usually appear:

• Do restaurants need an EPC?

• Do retail shops need an EPC in the UK?

• Does a gym require a commercial EPC?

This guide explains exactly how EPC rules apply to restaurants, gyms and retail premises, particularly for business properties in London.

If you need a Commercial EPC quickly, you can Book now or Call now to speak directly with an accredited assessor.

Do Restaurants, Gyms and Retail Units Need a Commercial EPC?

Yes. In the UK, most restaurants, gyms and retail units must have a valid Commercial EPC when the property is sold, leased or marketed for rent.

A Commercial EPC is normally required when:

• the business premises is being sold

• the property is being rented to a tenant

• a new commercial lease is granted

• the building is advertised for rent or sale

The certificate must:

• be lodged on the official EPC Register

• be less than 10 years old

• comply with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

If a commercial property does not have a valid EPC, it usually cannot legally be marketed to tenants or buyers.

What Is a Commercial EPC?

A Commercial EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) measures the energy efficiency of a non-domestic building.

The certificate rates buildings from A to G, where A represents the most efficient buildings.

Commercial EPC assessments analyse how a building uses energy, including its systems and structure.

Typical elements assessed include:

• heating systems

• cooling systems

• ventilation

• lighting efficiency

• insulation

• glazing

The certificate also includes recommendations that may improve the building’s efficiency and reduce energy costs.

Quick EPC Rules for Business Premises

Most commercial buildings in the UK must have an EPC when they are marketed, sold or leased.

These rules apply to the majority of non-domestic buildings across the UK.

Minimum EPC Rating for Commercial Property

Under Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations, most commercial properties must achieve:

EPC rating E or higher to be legally rented.

If a property has a rating of F or G, landlords may need to:

• improve the building’s energy efficiency

• register an official exemption

• complete upgrades before leasing

Failure to comply can result in financial penalties and enforcement action.

Which Businesses Require a Commercial EPC?

A Commercial EPC is required for most non-domestic buildings including:

• restaurants

• cafés

• retail shops

• gyms

• offices

• hair salons

• showrooms

• warehouses

If the property is advertised for sale or lease, a valid EPC must normally exist.

Estate agents often require the certificate before marketing the building.

Do Restaurants Need a Commercial EPC?

Yes. Most restaurant premises require a Commercial EPC.

Restaurants are classified as commercial buildings because they operate with energy-intensive systems such as:

• kitchen extraction systems

• ventilation systems

• refrigeration equipment

• heating systems

• lighting

A restaurant property usually requires an EPC when:

• the building is sold

• the premises is leased

• a new tenant takes over

• the property is marketed for rent

Commercial kitchens and ventilation systems can significantly influence the final EPC rating.

Do Retail Shops Need an EPC?

Retail units are one of the most common property types requiring a Commercial EPC.

Retail premises include:

• high-street shops

• shopping centre units

• boutiques

• convenience stores

• service businesses operating from retail spaces

When a retail property is marketed for rent or sale, a valid EPC normally needs to be available.

If the building is rented, it must usually comply with MEES regulations, meaning the property must achieve EPC rating E or higher.

Properties rated F or G generally cannot be legally rented unless exemptions apply.

Do Gyms and Fitness Studios Need an EPC?

Gyms and fitness studios are also classified as non-domestic buildings, meaning an EPC is typically required.

Situations where gyms usually require an EPC include:

• leasing the premises to a new operator

• selling the property

• marketing the building for tenants

• replacing an expired EPC certificate

Fitness centres often have high energy demand due to:

• heating and ventilation systems

• long operating hours

• showers and hot water facilities

• large open spaces requiring ventilation

These factors are considered during the EPC assessment.

What Affects EPC Ratings in Restaurants, Gyms and Shops?

Several building factors influence a commercial EPC rating.

Building fabric

• wall insulation

• roof insulation

• glazing performance

• air tightness

Heating and cooling systems

• boiler efficiency

• air conditioning systems

• heating controls

Lighting

• LED lighting

• occupancy sensors

• daylight controls

Hot water systems

• system efficiency

• pipe insulation

• heating controls

Renewable technologies

• solar panels

• heat recovery

• low-carbon systems

Improvements to these systems can help increase the EPC rating.

Common EPC Issues in Restaurants

Restaurants often experience lower EPC ratings due to:

• older ventilation systems

• inefficient lighting

• extended operating hours

• limited insulation in older buildings

Upgrading lighting systems or improving heating controls can often improve performance.

Common EPC Issues in Retail Units

Retail properties frequently face challenges such as:

• large glazed shopfronts

• outdated lighting systems

• inefficient heating

• poor insulation

Lighting upgrades are often one of the most effective improvements for retail EPC ratings.

Common EPC Issues in Gyms

Gyms may receive lower ratings due to:

• high ventilation demand

• heavy hot water use

• extended operating hours

• large internal spaces

Energy management improvements can sometimes significantly increase efficiency ratings.

How Long Does a Commercial EPC Last?

A Commercial EPC remains valid for 10 years.

However, reassessment may occur earlier if:

• the certificate expires

• significant building changes occur

• energy systems are upgraded

• a new lease requires updated documentation

How Long Does a Commercial EPC Assessment Take?

Survey times depend on building size and complexity.

After the survey, the assessor prepares the SBEM energy model and lodges the certificate on the national EPC register.

Certificates are typically issued within 24–48 hours.

Commercial EPC Cost for Restaurants, Gyms and Shops

Commercial EPC prices vary depending on property size and complexity.

Pricing usually depends on:

• total floor area

• building layout

• number of zones

• heating and cooling systems

• urgency of the assessment

Prices are normally confirmed before the survey takes place.

How to Book a Commercial EPC in London

Booking an EPC typically involves five simple steps.

1. Provide the property address

2. Confirm the approximate floor area

3. Arrange a survey appointment

4. Complete the site inspection

5. Receive the lodged EPC certificate

Many London properties can be assessed within 24–48 hours, depending on availability.

Why Businesses Often Need EPCs Quickly

Commercial EPC requests often arise during active property transactions, such as:

• lease negotiations

• commercial property sales

• new tenants moving into premises

• landlord compliance checks

Booking an EPC early helps prevent transaction delays and legal complications.

Final Thought

Restaurants, gyms and retail units are all classified as commercial buildings under UK EPC regulations.

That means most business premises must have a valid Commercial EPC when they are sold, rented or leased.

Understanding the requirements early helps prevent delays, compliance problems and unexpected costs.

If you need a Commercial EPC in London, you can Book now, Get a fast quote, or Call now to speak directly with an accredited assessor.