Scotland’s 2026 Energy Standards: Is Your Commercial Roof Costing You an EPC Rating?
Achieving a good Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for your commercial building is more important than ever. The Scottish EPC reform are introducing a new framework for non-domestic properties. Once resumed, the process for valuing and marketing commercial properties will be transformed.
One of the key causes of a poor EPC rating in Scotland for businesses is poor-quality or energy-inefficient roofing. Read on to learn if your roofing could be costing you a good EPC rating.
What is an EPC Rating?
This rating from A-G provides insight into how energy-efficient a building is. Currently, EPCs last for 10 years but can be updated whenever required.
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025 plans to introduce a three-metric rating system that supports government decarbonisation efforts and provides greater clarity on the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. For commercial businesses, this change can directly affect how well their business is rated, affecting potential value.
However, it’s worth noting that this EPC change has been postponed to align with planned UK government reforms in 2027. This means it’s likely still on the horizon, but unlikely to resume for the original October 2026 deadline.
Benefits of Having a Good EPC Rating
A good EPC rating is highly beneficial to businesses, including commercial landlords and those looking to rent a commercial property. Some of the benefits of a high EPC rating in Scotland include:
– Easier renting: For commercial landlords, properties with a good EPC rating are more likely to attract tenants, and will also typically fetch a higher price than older properties with poor ratings
– Employee comfort: A good EPC rating means that heat and cool air from conditioning systems remain in the building for longer, improving employee comfort and reducing significant swings in temperature
– Future-proofing: A property with a high EPC is a future-proof option as government requirements for decarbonisation practices increase, preventing potential fines or later remediation costs
– Reduced energy bills: A building with a high EPC rating is more likely to have lower energy bills with less wastage
– Environmental consciousness: Better energy performance directly reduces the impact of the commercial building on the environment, which is important for businesses that take sustainability and environmental impact seriously
Why is it Important for Commercial Properties?
Having an EPC rating is integral for both commercial rental and construction processes. Lettings agents or property developers are required to advertise the EPC of ‘conditioned’ commercial properties over 50 m², which means an up-to-date EPC is essential.
A conditioned environment is any commercial building with a roof and walls where energy is used to condition the indoor climate, such as using air conditioning or heating.
While EPCs currently expire every 10 years, future plans would reduce this to five years, making it important to keep your rating up-to-date. Failure to display an EPC rating can result in a fine of anywhere from £500 to £5,000.
How Quality Commercial Roofing Impacts Your EPC Rating
Poor-quality roofing or roofing that is in disrepair can have a significant impact on the energy rating of your business. Working with a qualified and experienced commercial roofing company can help avoid a low EPC rating, reducing carbon emissions.
Improved Insulation
Insulation can be installed along with new commercial roofing, significantly reducing heat loss through the roof of your property. Improved insulation can effectively reduce heating costs, improve comfort for employees and protect the structural integrity of the building.
Airtightness
Holes and gaps in roofing allow heat to escape directly. A new commercial roof enables you to impact energy efficiency by creating an airtight seal. Reducing air leakage makes heat retention easier and prevents condensation within the roof structure, improving the longevity of the building.
Solar Panel and Green Roof Options
Eco-friendly roofing can be a powerful way to make use of previously unused space above business operations, reducing energy costs. Green, planted roofing can reduce carbon emissions from structures and offers a safe space for wildlife.
Renewables, such as solar panel roofing, enable energy generation, reducing bills. Solar panels can also protect your roofing, preventing direct UV degradation of roofing where panels are installed.
How Scotland’s EPC Reform Could Impact Your Commercial Property Value
The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025 have currently been delayed from the original October 2026 date with no new start date in sight. However, being proactive about achieving a high EPC rating can help you to contribute towards decarbonisation efforts and reduce the risk of falling out of compliance in the future.
Even with the current one-metric rating system, a good EPC score is beneficial in numerous ways. The commercial value of your property can be improved with the improvement of your EPC rating in Scotland, whether under the 2008 or 2025 regulations.
Commercial Roofing at Central Group
Installing new roofing is an effective way to increase your EPC rating. Beyond this benefit, installing modern commercial roofing also reduces your energy costs, ensures longevity and provides comfort to employees in all seasons.
At Central Group, we have extensive experience in installing EPC-improving roofing, including flat roofs and metal roofing. We have teams across the UK delivering high-quality results on commercial roofing projects, with a local branch in Edinburgh ready to support you in achieving an excellent EPC rating.
Call our team on 01432 354 000 or contact us now to get a quote for your commercial roof replacement. We can help you to get ahead of Scotland’s future energy standards with energy-efficient roofing that reduces carbon emissions for decades after installation.