Non-residential EPC: for commercial and public buildings

A non-residential EPC is an energy performance certificate specifically for buildings that are not used as dwellings: offices, shops, restaurants, cafes, practice rooms, showrooms and other commercial premises. Like residential buildings, this certificate is mandatory for sale or rental in Flanders. The non-residential EPC differs from the residential EPC in its calculation method: it takes into account lighting, cooling and the specific use of the building. In our experience, many business owners underestimate the importance of a correct EPC for their commercial premises — it not only provides insight into energy costs but also influences attractiveness for tenants or buyers.

During a non-residential inspection, we check all elements that influence the energy performance of the building:

• Building envelope — facades, roof, floor, insulation values per construction element
• Glazing and external joinery — glass type, frame material, sun shading
• Heating — installation type, capacity, controls, distribution system
• Cooling — presence and type of cooling system, EER/COP values
• Lighting — fixture types, wattage, occupancy detection, daylight control
• Ventilation — mechanical or natural, heat recovery
• Hot water — production method and distribution
• Renewable energy — solar panels, heat pump, CHP

The inspection is more extensive than for a dwelling due to the more complex installations. During our inspections, we pay extra attention to the lighting installation, which often accounts for a large share of energy consumption in offices and shops.

For an accurate non-residential EPC, the following documents are useful:

• Building plans or as-built plans with surface areas
• Technical data sheets of HVAC installations (heating, cooling, ventilation)
• Lighting plan or fixture inventory
• Invoices for insulation work or renovations
• EPB declaration (for new construction or major renovation)
• Maintenance certificates for heating and cooling installations

In our experience, many commercial premises do not have complete technical documentation. Our expert can in that case work with visual observations and default values, but a complete file always leads to a more accurate and often more favourable result.

The inspection of a small non-residential building (50 to 500 m2) takes on average 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the installations and the available documentation. After the inspection, you receive the EPC certificate typically within 48 to 72 hours. For larger or more complex premises, this may take slightly longer.

The price for a non-residential EPC depends strongly on the surface area and complexity of the building. For small non-residential premises (50 to 500 m2), we charge from EUR 395 excl. VAT. Larger or more complex buildings require a custom quote. Request a free quote and you will receive a transparent price within 1 working day. Also check our indicative prices for an initial indication.

Since 2009, an EPC has been mandatory for the sale or rental of non-residential buildings in Flanders. The legislation distinguishes between small non-residential units (up to 500 m2) and large non-residential units (more than 500 m2). Additional requirements apply to large units. The certificate is valid for 10 years. The Flemish government is working on a renovation obligation for non-residential buildings that is expected to be introduced in the coming years, comparable to the existing obligation for dwellings. A good EPC already gives you insight into the energy performance and possible improvements.