As the UK tightens its commitment to achieving net zero, commercial landlords face growing pressure to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. The government’s roadmap for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) is central to this change and the latest new EPC regulations are set to have a major impact across the commercial property sector.
At Harvest Green Developments, we understand that compliance is only part of the picture. The new EPC regulations present an opportunity for landlords to improve the performance, value and long-term viability of their buildings. However, with deadlines approaching for a 2028 completion, waiting until the last moment could result in spiralling costs, limited contractor availability and compromised quality of work.
What are energy performance certificates and why do they matter?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates the energy efficiency of a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It is a legal requirement whenever a commercial property is built, sold or let. The EPC not only reflects how energy-efficient a building is but also signals its sustainability credentials to tenants, buyers and investors. For landlords, EPC ratings carry financial and reputational weight. A higher rating typically translates to lower operational costs, greater tenant appeal, easier access to green finance and enhanced long-term asset value. Failing to meet minimum standards, however, could make it unlawful to lease your property and may even render existing leases unenforceable – a serious risk for any commercial landlord with only a few years to make dramatic improvements in some instances.
Key milestones in the new EPC regulations
It’s important to note here that the 2028 target is part of this current government, we anticipate these targets are unlikely to change. Here’s a timeline of the current and proposed EPC changes that every commercial landlord needs to understand and plan for with their leased premises:
- April 2023: All let commercial properties in England and Wales must have a minimum EPC rating of E.
- April 2025: Every let commercial property must hold a valid EPC certificate, even if no lease changes occur.
- 2028: The minimum standard is expected to rise to EPC C for all let commercial properties.
- 2030: A further increase to EPC B is anticipated.
Why acting early is essential
Many landlords are aware of the new EPC regulations, for some this may be the first time they have been made aware of these upcoming changes, but either way, they may assume there’s plenty of time to act. However, this mindset could create serious challenges later on. By waiting until 2027 or 2028, landlords risk entering a crowded market where demand for qualified contractors, materials and renewable energy systems will far exceed supply. This can lead to:
- Extended waiting times for contractors or assessors.
- Inflated costs for materials and installation services.
- Rushed or poor-quality retrofit work that fails to achieve the desired EPC rating.
- Non-compliance risks, which could make it illegal to lease or re-let your property.
- Potential contract breaches with tenants if energy performance obligations are not met.
Acting now allows you to plan strategically, spread upgrade costs over several years, and ensure that work is carried out by experienced professionals who deliver lasting results. We’ve already started working with landlords who recognise the value of early action who have avoided the future rush and guarantee compliance with confidence and look forward to spreading more awareness of this new compliance and supporting landlords with improving their commercial energy efficiency.
How Harvest Green Developments can help
We specialise in helping commercial landlords transform their buildings into energy-efficient, future-proofed assets. Our expertise spans solar energy, battery storage, and retrofit roofing systems, allowing us to deliver complete solutions that not only meet EPC requirements but also reduce operating costs.
Retrofit solutions
We’re currently working with landlords and businesses across the UK to design and implement retrofit solutions that integrate renewable energy into the fabric of their buildings. This includes making key changes to roofing systems – improving insulation, reducing heat loss, and optimising the structure for solar panel installations. This approach not only enhances the EPC score but also provides measurable energy savings for tenants, making your property more attractive in a highly competitive commercial market.
Solar and battery storage
By installing solar panels alongside intelligent battery storage systems, landlords can significantly reduce grid dependence and cut running costs. This type of on-site generation directly boosts EPC performance while supporting broader sustainability goals. A typical rooftop solar PV installation can raise your EPC rating by multiple bands while delivering a return on investment through reduced energy bills and enhanced rental potential.
Steps to improve your EPC rating
If you’re unsure where to begin, here are the key steps we recommend:
- Review your current EPC – Identify your property’s rating and when it expires.
- Commission an energy audit – A professional assessment will identify the most cost-effective upgrades.
- Prioritise efficiency upgrades – Focus first on insulation, HVAC systems, lighting, and glazing.
- Integrate renewable energy – Solar and battery systems can make a substantial impact.
- Plan your upgrades early – Align improvements with tenant changeovers or planned refurbishments.
- Monitor and maintain performance – Use smart metering and energy management systems to ensure long-term gains.
The benefits of early action
Early planning ensures that when stricter regulations come into force, your property will already exceed the minimum requirements, giving you peace of mind and a stronger position in the market.
- Spread upgrade costs and avoid last-minute expense spikes.
- Secure the best contractors while availability remains high.
- Ensure top-quality workmanship and avoid rushed work.
- Protect tenant relationships by maintaining compliance and being proactive.
- Maximise asset value and position your property for long-term success.
- Take advantage of current incentives and green finance options before competition increases.
Preparing for 2028 and beyond
Landlords who act early will not only safeguard compliance but also future-proof their portfolios against upcoming environmental legislation. By 2028, the UK’s commercial building landscape will look very different where compliance of a higher EPC rating will be a legal requirement. Those who have invested in renewable technology, insulation, and intelligent energy systems will benefit. Those who delay may face the opposite – costly, disruptive and reactive upgrades carried out under time pressure.
Work with a renewable energy partner who understands your goals
As a business, we go beyond compliance. Our team combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of the commercial property market to deliver bespoke retrofit and renewable energy solutions that meet each landlord’s specific needs We focus on practical outcomes – reducing costs, enhancing sustainability, and helping you meet regulatory targets efficiently. Whether you manage a single warehouse or an entire property portfolio, we’ll work with you to design a tailored roadmap that gets you from today’s rating to tomorrow’s standards.
Ready to future-proof your commercial property?
The new EPC regulations may seem challenging, but with the right partner and strategy, they present an opportunity for improvement and growth. Now is the time to act though. Don’t wait until the sector faces a shortage of qualified contractors or the government’s deadlines are upon us. Start planning today, and you’ll be prepared when 2028 arrives. We are here to guide you every step of the way. Our team of renewable energy experts can assess your building, recommend upgrade paths, and implement renewable energy and retrofit solutions that transform compliance into competitive advantage. Contact us today to speak with one of our specialists, and let us walk you through the upcoming changes and how to get ahead of them.
