[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":28},["ShallowReactive",2],{"article:how-your-roof-can-improve-a-commercial-epc-rating":3},{"id":4,"title":5,"slug":6,"short_description":7,"content":8,"publish_state":9,"published_at":10,"seo_title":5,"seo_meta_description":11,"main_image_id":12,"thumbnail_image_id":13,"deleted_at":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"authors":16,"main_image":17,"thumbnail_image":24},"01m45eh15f68fsxfd2488qfwp0","How Your Roof Can Improve a Commercial EPC Rating","how-your-roof-can-improve-a-commercial-epc-rating","Learn how insulation, rooflights and solar PV preparation can improve building performance ahead of the 2031 EPC B proposals.","\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Energy efficiency is becoming an increasingly important consideration for owners, landlords and occupiers of commercial and industrial buildings. Whether you want to reduce energy bills, improve the value and marketability of a property, prepare for future requirements or simply make an ageing building perform better, understanding your building's EPC rating is a sensible place to start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">What is a commercial EPC rating?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides an assessment of a building's energy efficiency. Commercial properties are graded from A+ to G, with higher ratings representing more energy-efficient buildings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">According to the UK Government, an EPC is generally required when commercial premises are constructed, sold or rented, subject to certain exemptions. An EPC is normally valid for 10 years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Energy performance is already becoming a differentiator in the commercial property market. Government statistics show that between January and March 2026, only 43% of non-domestic properties receiving an EPC achieved an A+, A or B rating. That means more than half were rated C or below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">How can I improve the EPC rating of my commercial building?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">The answer can involve heating, lighting, ventilation and renewable energy. But on warehouses, factories and other large industrial buildings, one of the biggest areas worth investigating is directly overhead: the roof.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">Why commercial EPC ratings matter more than ever\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">In June 2026, the UK Government confirmed its intention to introduce a higher minimum energy-efficiency standard for parts of the non-domestic private rented sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Under the proposed approach:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul dir=\"ltr\">\n\u003Cli>Privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000m² in England and Wales would need to achieve EPC B from 2031, where cost-effective.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Buildings below 1,000m² would remain subject to the existing EPC E minimum standard.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">For owners of large warehouses, factories, distribution centres and industrial units, understanding the current condition and thermal performance of the building is increasingly important. The roof can form a major part of that conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">How can a commercial roof affect energy efficiency?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Consider the scale of a typical warehouse roof. On a 10,000m² industrial building, there is potentially 10,000m² of building envelope exposed at roof level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">If the existing roof system is old, poorly insulated or deteriorating, improving it is an opportunity to upgrade the building fabric at the same time as resolving the roofing issue itself. A commercial roof refurbishment can incorporate modern insulation systems designed to reduce heat transfer through the roof. Current Building Regulations guidance in England is set out in Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel and Power), which includes specific guidance for buildings other than dwellings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">For businesses already considering roof replacement or refurbishment, this means looking beyond simply stopping leaks. The project can become part of a wider energy-efficiency strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">5 ways your commercial or industrial roof could help improve building performance\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">1. Upgrade the roof insulation\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Older industrial roofs can have very different thermal performance from modern insulated roofing systems. When an existing roof is refurbished or replaced, upgrading the insulation can reduce heat transfer and improve the thermal performance of the building envelope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">For heated warehouses, manufacturing facilities and commercial premises, this can potentially reduce the energy needed to maintain internal temperatures. It can also contribute to the measures considered when assessing a building's overall energy performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">2. Replace ageing rooflights\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Rooflights are extremely valuable in industrial buildings because they bring natural daylight into large internal spaces. However, ageing rooflights can deteriorate, become discoloured or offer poorer thermal performance than modern systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Replacing them as part of a wider roofing project can improve the roof system while restoring natural daylight. More daylight can also reduce reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours, depending on how the building operates and is laid out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">3. Prepare the roof for solar PV\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Commercial rooftops are a significant opportunity for on-site renewable electricity generation. Warehouses and industrial buildings are particularly well suited because they often offer very large, relatively unobstructed roof areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">But installing solar panels isn't simply a matter of putting panels on the roof. Before PV is installed, you should consider:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul dir=\"ltr\">\n\u003Cli>the remaining lifespan of the roof\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>structural capacity\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>roof condition and waterproofing\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>future maintenance access\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">If an ageing roof is likely to need major work in the near future, coordinating the refurbishment with the solar installation can avoid the costly situation of removing a relatively new PV system to replace the roof beneath it. A roof refurbishment can make the building PV-ready for immediate or future solar installation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">4. Address uncontrolled air and water ingress\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Energy performance isn't only about insulation thickness. Deteriorated roof sheets, damaged flashings, failed interfaces and other defects can all affect how well the building envelope performs. Water ingress can also damage insulation materials and other components within the roof build-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">A professional roof condition survey can identify these problems before a larger refurbishment strategy is developed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">5. Look at the building as a complete system\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Improving an EPC rating shouldn't be approached as \"replace the roof and the EPC will improve.\" Every building is different. Heating systems, lighting, ventilation, insulation, glazing, renewable technologies and the way the building is operated can all influence its energy performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">The best approach is to understand where the building is currently underperforming and decide which improvements offer the greatest benefit. The roof may be only one part of that strategy, but on a large industrial building it can be a very significant one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">How much energy do commercial buildings actually use?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">The scale of energy use across the non-domestic building stock shows why these improvements matter. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's 2026 Non-domestic National Energy Efficiency Data Framework (ND-NEED) analyses metered electricity and gas consumption across non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. The latest dataset covers 2012 to 2024 and breaks down performance by building use, building size and business size.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">For property owners managing large estates, even relatively small efficiency improvements become important when multiplied across thousands of square metres of operational space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">Should you replace a commercial roof just to improve an EPC?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Not necessarily. If the existing roof is in good condition with significant service life remaining, other improvements may offer a better return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">However, if a building already has an ageing roof, recurring leaks, deteriorating rooflights, poor insulation or plans for solar PV, it makes sense to investigate energy performance at the same time. Instead of treating roof replacement purely as maintenance expenditure, owners can consider whether the project could also:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul dir=\"ltr\">\n\u003Cli>improve thermal performance\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>increase natural daylight\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>prepare the building for solar PV\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>reduce future maintenance requirements\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>improve weather resistance\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>support wider EPC improvement plans\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>extend the useful life of the building\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">That makes roof refurbishment part of a much broader property investment strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">Is your commercial roof ready for the next 20 years?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Many industrial buildings across the UK were constructed decades ago and still operate with ageing roof systems. The question isn't simply whether those roofs are leaking today. Building owners should also ask: how will this roof perform over the next 10, 20 or 25 years?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">With energy efficiency becoming increasingly important, waiting until a roof reaches complete failure can limit your options and turn a planned capital project into an emergency repair. Understanding its condition early gives you more time to plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">Start with a commercial roof survey\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">At Cambridge Roof Exchange, we work with owners and occupiers of commercial and industrial buildings to assess existing roof systems and develop appropriate refurbishment solutions. Our surveys can help identify deterioration, rooflight condition, guttering issues, areas of water ingress and opportunities for wider roof upgrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Where appropriate, refurbishment projects can incorporate modern insulated roofing systems, replacement rooflights, gutter improvements and preparation for solar PV, allowing several building-performance issues to be considered as part of one project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>If you're responsible for an ageing commercial or industrial roof, speak to Cambridge Roof Exchange about \u003Ca href=\"..\u002F..\u002Fcontact\">arranging a roof survey\u003C\u002Fa> and understanding the options available for your building.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">Frequently Asked Questions\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">How can I improve the EPC rating of a commercial building?\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Potential improvements include upgrading insulation, installing more efficient heating and lighting systems, improving ventilation and controls, upgrading windows and doors, and introducing renewable technologies such as solar PV. The most appropriate measures depend on the individual building and should be assessed before work begins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">Can roof insulation improve a commercial EPC rating?\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Roof insulation forms part of the building's thermal envelope, so improving its thermal performance can contribute to the overall energy performance of a building. The actual effect on an EPC rating depends on the entire building and should be assessed by an appropriately qualified energy assessor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">What EPC rating does a commercial property need?\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Requirements depend on the property and circumstances. The government currently operates Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for applicable privately rented non-domestic property. In June 2026, it confirmed an intention to introduce an EPC B requirement from 2031 for privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000m² in England and Wales, where cost-effective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">Can you install solar panels on an old commercial roof?\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Potentially, but the condition, expected lifespan and structural capacity of the existing roof should be assessed first. Installing a PV system on a roof approaching the end of its service life could create additional costs if the panels later need to be removed for roofing works.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">Should I replace my commercial roof before installing solar panels?\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">If the roof is approaching the end of its expected service life, coordinating the refurbishment with a planned solar installation may be more practical than installing panels first and replacing the roof later. A roof survey can help determine the condition of the existing system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4 dir=\"ltr\">How do I know if my commercial roof needs replacing?\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Common warning signs include recurring leaks, corrosion, damaged or discoloured rooflights, failing gutters, deteriorating sheets or membranes and increasing maintenance requirements. A professional roof condition survey can establish the condition of the roof and whether repair, overcladding or replacement is appropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Chr>\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">Sources\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul dir=\"ltr\">\n\u003Cli>UK Government, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fenergy-performance-certificate-commercial-property\">Energy Performance Certificates for your business premises\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>UK Government, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fstatistics\u002Fenergy-performance-of-building-certificates-in-england-and-wales-january-to-march-2026\u002Fenergy-performance-of-buildings-certificates-statistical-release-january-to-march-2026-england-and-wales\">Energy Performance of Buildings Certificates Statistical Release: January to March 2026, England and Wales\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>UK Government, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fquestions-statements.parliament.uk\u002Fwritten-statements\u002Fdetail\u002F2026-06-18\u002Fhcws126\">Non-domestic minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES): written ministerial statement, 18 June 2026\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>UK Government, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fpublications\u002Fconservation-of-fuel-and-power-approved-document-l\">Conservation of fuel and power: Approved Document L\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fstatistics\u002Fnon-domestic-national-energy-efficiency-data-framework-nd-need-2026\">Non-domestic National Energy Efficiency Data Framework (ND-NEED), 2026\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>","Published","2026-10-05T07:12:00.000000Z","Explore how roof insulation, rooflights and solar PV preparation can support a better commercial EPC rating","01m45eexc5r7cg90k8y1mq8eks","01m45ef0p3z2g66aa3hvgprybz",null,"2026-10-05T07:12:52.000000Z",[],{"id":12,"alt":14,"path":18,"type":19,"visibility":20,"created_by_id":21,"deleted_at":14,"created_at":22,"updated_at":22,"url":23},"media-files\u002F20260501-DJI_0633.jpg","Image","Public","01kz3dpkx4hynn9k8ydhnwx9ep","2026-10-05T07:11:43.000000Z","https:\u002F\u002Fcrex.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fmedia-files\u002F20260501-DJI_0633.jpg",{"id":13,"alt":14,"path":25,"type":19,"visibility":20,"created_by_id":21,"deleted_at":14,"created_at":26,"updated_at":26,"url":27},"media-files\u002F20260501-DJI_0633-v2.jpg","2026-10-05T07:11:46.000000Z","https:\u002F\u002Fcrex.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fmedia-files\u002F20260501-DJI_0633-v2.jpg",1791184428044]