The UK government is preparing to introduce major reforms to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in 2026. For commercial landlords, these changes will not only shape compliance but also affect property value, leasing potential and long-term investment strategies.
In our recent webinar, Adam Mitchell, Associate Director of Technical Services at Carbonxgen, and Martin Gibbons, Director of Vital, explored what is changing, why it matters, and how to prepare.
“Make a plan now,” said Adam Mitchell. “This is not just about compliance. It is about protecting the value of your portfolio and positioning for the future.”
Why EPC Reform Matters
EPCs have been in place since 2008 and for many years, they have remained largely unchanged. Today, 70% of commercial properties are rated C or below. Without improvements, 80 per cent could become unlettable by 2030 and landlords face the potential of billions of pounds in fines.
Carbonxgen works with clients to ensure that EPC requirements are not seen as a compliance burden but as a route to protecting asset value and improving building performance.
Key Changes to Expect
Shorter validity periods
EPCs will no longer be valid for ten years. From 2026, they will be renewed every five years. Adam Mitchell explained that properties often undergo significant change within a decade and EPCs must keep pace.
Carbonxgen supports clients by monitoring EPC renewal cycles across entire portfolios, identifying opportunities to retest where improvements can raise grades, and helping manage costs by building EPCs into long-term compliance strategies.
Listed buildings now included
Properties that were previously exempt, such as listed buildings, will now require EPCs if they are rented or converted into offices or flats.
Carbonxgen has experience in supporting owners of heritage buildings by focusing on services like LED lighting upgrades and electrification of heating, helping them comply without compromising the character of their properties.
Additional performance metrics
Commercial EPCs have historically only measured carbon emissions. The reforms will add new metrics, including energy cost, fabric performance, heating efficiency and smart readiness.
Carbonxgen goes beyond producing certificates by using these insights to guide targeted investment. Our EPC plus advisory reports provide a roadmap for raising grades while aligning upgrades with Net Zero objectives.
Stronger quality control
The government will introduce more rigorous auditing and data collection. “Not every EPC is equal,” said Mitchell. “The reforms will demand more detail, which means better accuracy and better value for landlords”.
Our approach already prioritises data quality. By working closely with clients to gather detailed building information, we help ensure EPCs reflect the true performance of a property and deliver stronger outcomes.
Open data and digital twins
EPC data will become more accessible through open APIs. As Gibbons explained, each EPC creates a digital model of the building that can be reused to test future improvements.
Carbonxgen leverages these models to run scenarios, from lighting upgrades to heating system replacements, providing clients with clear evidence of how changes will impact compliance and efficiency.
The Link to MEES
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) uses EPCs as its compliance measure. Phase two of MEES is expected to require all commercial rental properties to reach EPC grade C by 2027 and grade B by 2030.
Martin Gibbons highlighted that this is coming, and landlords must be ready. Carbonxgen provides EPC plus advisory reports that map the most cost-effective pathway from grade D to C, B or even A, supporting both compliance and Net Zero targets.
How to Prepare Now
- Audit your portfolio: Gather all EPCs and note whether they were issued before June 2022, when the government updated the calculation software. Reassessing electric buildings completed before this date may improve grades.
- Budget for more frequent assessments: With EPCs moving to five years, landlords will need to double their assessment budgets.
- Prioritise electrification: Replacing gas boilers with electric heating can result in significant EPC improvements. As Gibbons cautioned, continuing to install gas is “legal but foolish”.
- Engage your assessor with data: The more detailed information you provide, the more accurate and often higher your EPC grade will be.
Carbonxgen helps clients through each of these steps by combining technical expertise with long-term compliance planning. We integrate EPC strategies into broader Net Zero programmes so that every assessment not only meets regulations but also drives efficiency and value.
Conclusion
EPC reforms will begin rolling out in early 2026, with enforcement expected later in the year. The changes are clear. EPCs will be more frequent, more detailed and more closely tied to MEES and Net Zero goals.
As Adam Mitchell summed up: “Make a plan. Get a list of all your properties and start thinking strategically. You do not want to get caught out.”
Get Expert Support
At Carbonxgen, we specialise in helping commercial landlords and property managers navigate EPC reform with confidence. From portfolio audits to compliance strategies and Net Zero roadmaps, we turn regulatory pressure into measurable progress.
Contact Carbonxgen today to discuss your EPC and compliance strategy