How to boost your commercial or industrial building’s EPC rating
Roofclad Systems Ltd sales surveyor Harry Johnson highlights some energy-saving ideas for older commercial and industrial buildings.
With energy costs continuing to put pressure on businesses and sustainability expectations increasing, improving the energy performance of commercial and industrial buildings is becoming an important consideration for many organisations.
For older buildings in particular, carefully planned refurbishment can improve thermal performance, reduce energy consumption and help businesses prepare for future requirements.
Here are some practical considerations for improving the energy performance of your building
1 Focus on a fabric-first approach
The most effective starting point for improving an EPC rating is to address the building fabric, particularly the roof and wall structures.
These large surface areas often account for the greatest heat loss in older commercial and industrial buildings. Poor insulation, ageing materials and outdated systems can all lead to higher energy consumption and reduced efficiency.
Upgrading to modern insulated roofing or cladding systems creates a far stronger thermal barrier.
This helps stabilise indoor temperatures, reduces strain on heating and cooling systems and delivers an immediate improvement in energy performance. Because EPC ratings take thermal efficiency into account, these upgrades often make a substantial difference.
2 Upgrade inefficient rooflights
Rooflights can be easily overlooked, yet they play an important role in both insulation and lighting levels. Many existing buildings still have single-skin or ageing rooflights that have deteriorated, leading to drafts, condensation and reduced light transmission.
Upgrading to modern thermal rooflights boosts insulation and increases natural daylight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and lowering energy consumption. This improvement contributes to a higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and is most effective when combined with other roof and wall enhancements.
3 Consider solar power to strengthen your EPC rating
Renewable energy generation, particularly solar PV, significantly impacts EPC scores. By generating clean electricity on-site, businesses reduce grid dependence and lower carbon emissions.
Always have an expert inspect your roof before having a roof-mounted solar PV installation. The roof should last at least as long as the solar panels to avoid complications with repairs and ROI. It’s better to plan ahead than deal with disruptive repairs later.
Solar energy performs best with a thermally efficient building envelope, which reduces overall energy consumption and allows for greater solar output use. This combination enhances EPC ratings, supports sustainability, and stabilises future energy costs.
4 Look at available funding and support
Energy-efficiency funding programmes change regularly, and it’s important to check current eligibility and availability when planning a project. While some schemes may end, support for businesses is expected to continue in different forms.
One key example is Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) and their BEAS Programme (Business Energy Advice Service), providing SMEs with free energy assessments and grants for eligible businesses up to £100,000.
The free energy assessments help businesses identify practical opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce running costs and understand potential EPC impacts.
Even without grant funding, these assessments can play a crucial role in project planning, ensuring improvements are targeted, cost-effective and aligned with long-term goals.
5 Plan for long-term value and compliance
Regulations around building energy performance will continue to tighten, and expectations from tenants, investors and stakeholders are increasingly focused on sustainability. Improving a building’s EPC rating provides several long-term benefits:
• Lower heating and cooling costs
• Reduced carbon emissions
• Better internal comfort and working conditions
• Enhanced building value and marketability
• Greater resilience to future compliance requirements
By taking a forward-thinking approach now, businesses can reduce the risk of needing expensive upgrades later.
Final thoughts
Improving a building’s EPC rating doesn’t just support compliance; it strengthens operational performance, reduces energy costs and contributes to long-term sustainability.
Key upgrades like insulated roofs and walls, rooflights, and solar power, along with expert advice from programs like the Business Energy Advice Service, can lead to significant improvements.
From my experience working across commercial and industrial refurbishment projects, even small, well-planned changes can lead to significant gains. With the right approach, businesses can future-proof their buildings and operate more efficiently for years to come.