From April 2027, commercial landlords could be required to meet a minimum EPC rating of Band C – tightening to a Band B requirement by April 2030. Is your building ready to meet the challenge?
While the changes aren’t yet confirmed, following a government consultation last year the move toward higher energy standards – and greater enforcement action – is gaining serious momentum. This forms part of a larger national drive to improve energy efficiency and cut emissions – and it’s clear that higher EPC standards are on the way.
What are the proposed changes?
The current proposals put forward by the government would require:
- All rented properties to meet a minimum EPC Band C by April 2027
- All rented properties to achieve a rating of at least B (or register an exemption) by 1 April 2030.
These changes build on existing rules, which already require most rented properties to achieve at least EPC Band E. With the UK committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, these EPC upgrades are likely only the beginning.
Now’s the time to start planning upgrades that improve efficiency and help futureproof your buildings. Waiting until the last minute could mean rushed upgrades, tenant disruption, and major costs. But with the right planning, you can make improvements gradually.
Why roofing and cladding matter for energy ratings
When it comes to boosting your building’s energy performance, your roof and cladding play a bigger role in energy efficiency than you may imagine. Together, they form what’s known as the ‘building envelope,’ and if that envelope isn’t up to scratch, it could be quietly draining your building’s efficiency without you realising.
Badly insulated roofs and outdated cladding can lead to significant heat loss, meaning your central heating ends up working overtime to maintain a good temperature. Not only does this drive up energy bills, but it can also lead to unhappy tenants complaining. The materials you choose matter too. Modern cladding and construction techniques, particularly commercial metal cladding, offer far better performance compared to older solutions. All of this directly affects your EPC score.
Signs your building needs an upgrade:
- Outdated or damaged cladding panels: Worn-out cladding can affect both insulation and airtightness.
- Lack of roof insulation: Poorly insulated roofs are a major source of heat loss, driving up energy bills.
- Rust or corrosion of metal surfaces: Rust and corrosion on cladding or roofing materials compromise both the performance and the lifespan of your building
- Drafts or condensation: If you’re noticing drafts in your commercial space or moisture on windows or walls, your building envelope might be compromised.
- Poor energy performance on your EPC report: A lower-than-expected score can often be traced back to issues with roofing and cladding.
If you’re not sure if your building’s envelope might be holding back your energy performance, here are a few key signs to look out for.
Don’t get caught out
Buildings that fail to meet the evolving EPC requirements won’t just face operational challenges – they could suffer serious financial consequences. Commercial and industrial properties that don’t achieve the necessary standards risk becoming effectively unlettable, as tenants increasingly demand more energy-efficient spaces. Worse still, if you come to sell a non-compliant building, its market value could plummet as buyers factor in the costs and hassle of necessary upgrades. Acting now to futureproof your asset will protect its income potential and preserve its long-term value.
How Tek Clad can help
If you’re a commercial property owner or landlord, now is the time to start making changes towards reaching that Band C EPC rating. The sooner you start, the easier the transition will be – wait too long and you’ll be rushing upgrades and disrupting your tenants on short notice.
At Tek Clad, we’re passionate about building sustainable futures by helping businesses upgrade their building envelope with efficient, long-lasting solutions. As part of that, we’re helping buildings across the UK to improve their environmental impact by providing exceptional roofing and cladding solutions.
Don’t wait for the regulations to land – let’s get your building ready now. Our team is here to help, so get in touch today here.
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