Listed & Officially Protected Buildings – FAQs

Are all listed buildings exempt from needing an EPC?
No. Listed or protected status does not automatically exempt a building. An exemption only applies where EPC-recommended improvements would unacceptably alter the building’s character or appearance.

Do I still need evidence if my building is listed?
Yes. You must be able to demonstrate why recommended improvements are not appropriate, particularly if challenged by enforcement authorities.

Can part of a listed building still require an EPC?
Yes. If parts of the building are used commercially and can be assessed without affecting protected features, an EPC may still be required.

How Commercial EPC Blackpool helps:
We assess whether EPC recommendations would materially impact the building and provide clear guidance on whether an exemption is appropriate or an EPC is still required.

Temporary Buildings (Used for 2 Years or Less) – FAQs

What qualifies as a temporary building?
A building intended to be used for no more than two years, such as a site cabin or short-term modular structure.

Does having heating or lighting affect the exemption?
It can. The presence of fixed services may affect whether the building genuinely qualifies as temporary.

What evidence is required?
You should retain documentation confirming the temporary nature and intended period of use.

Our advice:
We help determine whether a building truly qualifies as temporary or whether EPC obligations still apply.

Places of Worship & Religious Buildings – FAQs

Are all religious buildings exempt from EPC requirements?
Buildings used solely as places of worship are generally exempt.

What if part of the building is used commercially?
Commercial areas (offices, halls for hire, retail units) may still require an EPC.

Do mixed-use religious buildings cause compliance issues?
Yes, they can. Mixed use often requires careful assessment.

How we help:
We clarify whether an EPC is required for part or all of the building and help avoid incorrect assumptions.

Low-Energy Industrial, Workshop & Agricultural Buildings – FAQs

What does “low energy use” mean in practice?
Buildings that are unheated and have no fixed lighting, ventilation or cooling systems.

Do most warehouses qualify for this exemption?
Not usually. Many warehouses have heating or lighting and therefore require an EPC.

Is this exemption commonly misunderstood?
Yes. It is one of the most frequently misapplied exemptions.

Our role:
We assess energy usage properly and advise whether the exemption genuinely applies.

Small Detached Buildings (Under 50m²) – FAQs

Does floor area include mezzanines or storage?
Yes. Total usable floor area must be considered.

Does the building have to be completely detached?
Yes. If it shares walls or services, the exemption may not apply.

Is this exemption common?
It applies to small kiosks, cabins and standalone utility buildings.

How we support:
We confirm measurements and detachment criteria before you rely on the exemption.

Buildings Due for Demolition – FAQs

Can I claim an exemption if I plan to demolish the building later?
No. Planning and (where relevant) conservation consent must already be in place.

Is intent to demolish enough?
No. Documentary evidence is required.

What happens if demolition is delayed?
The exemption may no longer apply, and EPC requirements could return.

Our advice:
We help confirm whether demolition exemptions are valid before marketing the property.

Vacant Buildings & Demolition Exemption – FAQs

What conditions must be met for this exemption?
All three must apply:

• Vacant possession

• Suitable for demolition

• Buyer or tenant has applied for planning permission to demolish

If one condition isn’t met, does the exemption apply?
No. All criteria must be satisfied.

Is this exemption closely scrutinised?
Yes. Enforcement authorities often review these cases carefully.

How we help:
We guide you through the criteria and help avoid reliance on an invalid exemption.

General EPC Exemption FAQs

Do EPC exemptions remove the need for compliance?
No. Exemptions are time-limited and evidence-led.

Do exemptions transfer to a new owner?
Often no. New owners may need to reassess and register a new exemption.

What happens if I rely on an exemption incorrectly?
You may face enforcement action, penalties or delays in selling or letting the property.

Why Use Commercial EPC Blackpool?

EPC exemptions are one of the most misunderstood areas of compliance. Many enforcement cases arise from assumptions rather than confirmed advice.

At Commercial EPC Blackpool, we:
✔ Provide honest advice on whether an exemption genuinely applies
✔ Help you avoid unnecessary EPC costs where exemptions are valid
✔ Reduce compliance risk and delays
✔ Support landlords, agents and businesses across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast

Need Help Confirming an EPC Exemption?

Before marketing or letting a property, make sure you’re compliant.

📞 Call Commercial EPC Blackpool on 01253 486 919
Speak to a fully accredited non-domestic EPC assessor for clear, practical advice.