Level 5 Commercial EPC Assessments

NRG Focus provides Level 5 Commercial EPC assessments for more technically complex non-domestic buildings across Yorkshire.

Our Level 5 Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) capability means we can assess buildings that require Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM), as well as carrying out Level 3 and Level 4 commercial EPC assessments.

If you are unsure what level of assessment your building requires, you do not need to determine this yourself. Speak to NRG Focus and we can establish the appropriate assessment route for your property.

Enquire about a Level 5 Commercial EPC assessment or call 0330 400 5302.

What Is a Level 5 Commercial EPC Assessment?

A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), also known as a Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate (NDEPC), provides an energy-efficiency rating for a non-domestic building.

Commercial buildings are assessed using government-approved energy assessment methodologies. Many non-domestic buildings can be assessed using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM). Level 5 buildings are those for which an approved Dynamic Simulation Model (DSM) is used to carry out the energy assessment.

DSM provides a more detailed method of modelling the interaction between the building, its use and its energy-consuming systems over time. It is therefore suitable for buildings where the standard SBEM approach is not sufficiently sophisticated for the assessment.

When Might a Building Require a Level 5 EPC Assessment?

A building does not automatically require a Level 5 assessment simply because it is large. The appropriate assessment method depends on the building’s characteristics, complexity and services.

Level 5 assessment may be required where a building incorporates features or systems that need to be represented using Dynamic Simulation Modelling.

This can be particularly relevant to buildings with more sophisticated combinations of:

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
Mechanical ventilation and cooling
Building management and control systems
Multiple HVAC zones or different patterns of occupancy
Complex building geometry or internal zoning
Specialist lighting or building services
Different activities taking place within different areas of the building

The assessor will determine the appropriate methodology after considering the building and its services.

Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 Commercial EPCs Explained

Non-domestic buildings vary enormously, from relatively straightforward shops and small offices to major commercial properties with sophisticated heating, cooling and ventilation systems.

Level 3 Commercial EPC Assessments

Level 3 assessments cover many relatively straightforward existing commercial buildings with conventional building services.

Level 4 Commercial EPC Assessments

Level 4 capability allows the assessment of a wider range of commercial buildings incorporating more advanced building services and systems within the scope of the approved methodology.

Level 5 Commercial EPC Assessments

Level 5 applies where Dynamic Simulation Modelling is required to calculate the building’s energy performance.

Because NRG Focus has Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 NDEA capability, clients can approach us without having to decide beforehand which assessor level their building requires.

What Is Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM)?

Dynamic Simulation Modelling is a detailed method of calculating the energy performance of a non-domestic building.

Rather than treating the building as a simple uniform space, DSM can model how energy demands vary over time and between different areas of the property. This allows more complex interactions between occupancy, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, building fabric and controls to be represented within the assessment.

For buildings with sophisticated services or operating patterns, this additional modelling capability can be necessary to produce the required Commercial EPC.

Commercial building services and pipework relevant to a Level 5 EPC assessment

Complex HVAC and Building Services

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning can have a significant influence on the energy performance of a commercial building.

During a Level 5 Commercial EPC assessment, relevant building services may include:

Boilers and heating plant
Air-conditioning and comfort cooling
Mechanical ventilation
Air handling units
Heat recovery systems
Building management systems and controls
Heating and cooling distribution
Hot water systems
Lighting and lighting controls

The assessment also considers the building fabric, glazing, insulation, construction and the way different parts of the building are used.

Where a commercial property also has an air-conditioning system with an effective rated output above 12kW, it may separately require a TM44 air-conditioning inspection. A TM44 inspection is different from a Commercial EPC and serves a different regulatory purpose.

Read about TM44 Air Conditioning Inspections in Yorkshire

Why Level 5 Capability Matters

Property owners and managers do not always know how their building will be classified before an assessment begins.

A property may appear relatively straightforward from the outside while containing more sophisticated building services internally. Conversely, the size of a building alone does not necessarily mean that Dynamic Simulation Modelling will be required.

Using an assessor with Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 capability gives NRG Focus the ability to deal with a broad range of commercial properties and identify the appropriate assessment methodology.

This is particularly useful for property portfolios containing different building types, or where a client is unsure about the complexity of an individual property.

Information and Evidence for a Level 5 Commercial EPC

Good building information can be particularly valuable when assessing a complex commercial property.

Where available, useful information may include:

Existing EPC documentation
Architectural drawings and floor plans
Building construction information
Heating and cooling specifications
Air-conditioning and ventilation information
Lighting specifications
Building management system information
Commissioning documents
Evidence of insulation or energy-efficiency improvements

Do not worry if all of this information is not available. NRG Focus can advise what information would be useful for the particular building before or during the assessment.

Level 5 Commercial EPCs and MEES

Commercial EPC ratings can also be important for landlords of privately rented non-domestic property.

Under the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in England and Wales, applicable privately rented non-domestic properties generally require an EPC rating of at least E unless a valid exemption applies.

The EPC assessment establishes the building’s energy rating, while MEES determines whether an applicable privately rented property meets the required minimum standard.

Level 5 Commercial EPC Assessments Across Yorkshire

NRG Focus provides Commercial EPC assessments for businesses, landlords, property managers and commercial property professionals across Yorkshire.

Our commercial EPC coverage includes:

We also undertake assessments elsewhere in Yorkshire. If your property is outside one of the areas listed above, contact us with the property address and we can confirm availability.

Why Choose NRG Focus for a Level 5 Commercial EPC?

Level 3, 4 & 5 NDEA Capability

We can assess a broad range of non-domestic properties, including buildings requiring Level 5 Dynamic Simulation Modelling.

Experience with Commercial Buildings

NRG Focus works with commercial property owners, landlords, businesses and property professionals across a wide variety of non-domestic buildings.

Complex Building Services

Our assessment capability extends to commercial buildings incorporating more sophisticated heating, ventilation, cooling and control systems.

Yorkshire Coverage

NRG Focus provides commercial energy assessment services throughout Yorkshire, including Wakefield, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford and Rotherham.

Direct Advice

If you do not know whether your property requires a Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5 assessment, contact us with the building details and we can advise on the appropriate next step.

Level 5 Commercial EPC – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know whether my building requires a Level 5 EPC assessor?

You do not need to determine the assessment level yourself. The appropriate methodology depends on the building and its services. NRG Focus can review the property information and establish the appropriate assessment route.

Is every large commercial building Level 5?

No. Size alone does not determine whether a building requires a Level 5 assessment. The building’s characteristics, services and the assessment methodology required are important factors.

What does DSM mean?

DSM stands for Dynamic Simulation Model. It is an approved method used to calculate the energy performance of buildings requiring more detailed modelling than the standard simplified approach.

Can NRG Focus carry out Level 3 and Level 4 EPCs as well?

Yes. NRG Focus has Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 Non-Domestic Energy Assessor capability, allowing us to assess a wide range of commercial buildings.

Is a Level 5 EPC different from a TM44 inspection?

Yes. A Commercial EPC assesses the energy performance of the building. A TM44 inspection assesses qualifying air-conditioning systems. A commercial property may require both, depending on its circumstances and installed systems.

Does a Level 5 EPC affect MEES compliance?

The resulting Commercial EPC provides the building’s energy rating. Where the property falls within the non-domestic private rented sector MEES requirements, that EPC rating can determine whether the property meets the applicable minimum energy-efficiency standard.

How long is a Commercial EPC valid?

A Commercial EPC is generally valid for up to 10 years, although a newer EPC will supersede an earlier certificate.

Arrange a Level 5 Commercial EPC Assessment

If you own, manage, are selling or letting a commercial property and think it may require a Level 5 assessment, speak to NRG Focus.

You do not need to know the assessment level before contacting us. Provide the property address, approximate floor area and any information you have about the building and its heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

Call NRG Focus on 0330 400 5302 or send us an enquiry.