Practical Guidance for Commercial Property Owners

Some non-domestic buildings may be exempt from requiring a commercial EPC due to their use, construction or future plans. However, exemptions are specific, conditional and often misunderstood. Incorrectly relying on an exemption can lead to delays, enforcement action or penalties.

At Commercial EPC Blackpool, we help landlords, businesses and property managers understand whether an exemption genuinely applies and what evidence is required.

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Listed and Officially Protected Buildings

A building may be exempt if it is listed or officially protected and meeting the minimum energy efficiency requirements would unacceptably alter its character or appearance.

This may apply to:

• Listed buildings

• Buildings in conservation areas

• Other officially protected structures

⚠ Important:
This exemption is not automatic. Many listed buildings still require EPCs. The exemption only applies where recommended improvements would conflict with conservation requirements.

How we help:
We assess whether EPC recommendations would materially affect the building’s character and advise on whether an exemption is appropriate or if an EPC is still required.

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Temporary Buildings (Used for 2 Years or Less)

Buildings intended for temporary use only may be exempt.

This applies where:

• The building will be used for no more than two years

• There is clear evidence of its temporary nature

Examples include site cabins or short-term modular structures.

Our advice:
We help confirm whether a building genuinely qualifies as temporary or whether EPC obligations still apply based on usage and services installed.

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Places of Worship and Religious Buildings

Buildings used primarily as a place of worship or for religious activities are generally exempt from EPC requirements.

This includes:

• Churches, mosques, synagogues and temples

• Buildings used solely for religious purposes

⚠ If part of the building is used for commercial activity (offices, halls for hire, retail), those areas may still require an EPC.

How we support:
We clarify whether mixed-use religious buildings require partial EPC coverage.

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Low-Energy Industrial, Workshop & Agricultural Buildings

Certain industrial, workshop or non-residential agricultural buildings may be exempt if they use very little energy.

Typically applies to buildings that:

• Are unheated

• Have no fixed lighting or ventilation

• Are used mainly for storage

Our role:
We assess whether energy usage is genuinely minimal or whether an EPC is still required due to installed services.

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Small Detached Buildings (Under 50m²)

A fully detached building with a total floor area under 50 square metres may be exempt.

Key conditions:

• Must be completely detached

• Must be under 50m²

Common examples include kiosks, small utility buildings and standalone cabins.

We confirm:
Whether the building meets size and detachment criteria before you rely on the exemption.

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Buildings Due for Demolition

A building may be exempt if:

• It is due to be demolished, and

• All relevant planning and conservation consents are already in place

This exemption cannot be assumed without documentation.

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Vacant Buildings & Demolition Exemption

A vacant building may be exempt only if all of the following apply:

• It is being sold or let with vacant possession

• It is suitable for demolition and redevelopment

• The buyer or tenant has applied for planning permission to demolish it

All criteria must be met — partial compliance is not sufficient.

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EPC Exemption Decision Checklist

Use this checklist as a first step only — professional advice is strongly recommended before proceeding without an EPC.

✔ Is the building listed or officially protected?
✔ Would EPC improvements unacceptably alter its character?
✔ Is the building genuinely temporary (used ≤ 2 years)?
✔ Is it used solely as a place of worship?
✔ Is it an unheated, low-energy industrial/agricultural building?
✔ Is it fully detached and under 50m²?
✔ Is it due for demolition with planning consent in place?
✔ Is it vacant and being sold/let for demolition with a planning application submitted?

👉 If you answer “yes” to any of the above, further assessment is required.

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Why Professional EPC Advice Matters

EPC exemptions are often misapplied. In many cases:

• A property believed to be exempt still requires an EPC

• Evidence is incomplete or outdated

• Exemptions are relied on incorrectly when marketing a property

At Commercial EPC Blackpool, we don’t just issue certificates — we provide clear, practical compliance advice so you can move forward with confidence.

Our clients value us because we:

✔ Give clear, honest guidance on whether an EPC is required
✔ Help avoid unnecessary assessments where exemptions genuinely apply
✔ Reduce risk of enforcement or delays
✔ Support landlords, agents and businesses across the Fylde Coast

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Need Help Confirming an EPC Exemption?

If you’re unsure whether your property requires a commercial EPC, or whether an exemption applies, early advice can prevent costly mistakes.

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