The non-residential EPC, also called EPC NR later in this article, gives more insight into the energy efficiency of non-residential buildings such as office buildings, hospitals, schools and so on. In other words, these are buildings that are not lived in.

The non-residential EPC also shows how much effort is needed to renovate to a carbon-neutral building. The EPC NR is only valid for five years, unlike the regular EPC certificate, which is valid for 10 years. The EPC NR currently only exists in Flanders.

Table of contents

• Why is the EPC non-residentially important?
• What does an EPC non-residential look like?
• When is an EPC non-residential required?
• Difference EPC non-residential (NR) and EPC small non-residential (kNR)
• How is the EPC made up non-residentially?
• The added value of Real Estate Experts

Why is the EPC non-residentially important?

The EPC NR is part of a broader Flemish government strategy to move towards a carbon-neutral building stock over time. Indeed, the European Climate Act states that buildings in Europe must be completely climate neutral by 2050.

This means that the buildings do not contribute to further climate change and thus the energy consumption is fully covered by renewable energy sources. This ambitious target obviously requires great efforts from the various member states and the EPC NR is a small part of it.

What does an EPC non-residential look like?

The EPC NR contains two key components that complement each other:

• Energy label
• Energy score

The energy label for non-residential buildings is a score ranging from A to G. The determination of the energy label is based on the share of renewable energy. It is therefore the ratio of the amount of renewable energy (+ residual heat) to the total amount of energy used by the building unit. A building with energy label A is completely carbon neutral. Today, even for the most innovative projects, this is not yet feasible.

The energy score indicates the energy consumption of the building expressed in kWh/m² per year. It is the calculated energy performance of the building independent of its energy use. This score also always includes recommendations to make the building units more energy efficient. These recommendations are currently still directional and therefore not binding. This will change in the future.

When is an EPC non-residential required?

The evolution towards carbon-neutral buildings will obviously take time. Therefore, the government is proceeding in a phased manner to implement all obligations:

• Since 1 January 2023, an EPC NR has been mandatory for transfers (sale, leasehold, building rights) and rentals (when entering into a new lease). Since 1 May 2023, this obligation has been extended to all notarised transfers in full ownership.
• Since 1 January 2024, all large building units of public buildings must also have an EPC NR. Thus, the public EPC can no longer be used for this purpose. Public buildings with a usable area of more than 250m² are also subject to a sign-out obligation.
• From 1 January 2025, regulations will be tightened again. From then on, all large non-residential buildings with an area of 1000m² or more must have an EPC NR, regardless of sale or rental!
• From 1 January 2026, all large non-residential buildings with a usable area smaller than 1000m² must also have an EPC NR, regardless of sale or rental.
• From 1 January 2028, all large building units of public and government buildings must have a minimum label E. Community and subsidised education will have an exception to this.
• From 1 January 2030, all large non-residential units must have an EPC NR of at least label E.
• From 1 January 2050, every major non-residential building must be carbon neutral.

So, as you can see, there will be a continuous expansion of regulations in the coming years. Owners of non-residential properties planning to renovate are therefore best to look ahead. That way, you won't face any unpleasant surprises in the future.

Buildings being demolished obviously do not have to have an EPC NR. However, the owner must be able to produce a valid demolition permit in that case.

Difference between EPC non-residential and EPC small non-residential

The EPC NR forms the basic certificate for all non-residential buildings, but for small buildings (floor area < 500m²), the owner can also choose to have an EPC kNR drawn up. In both cases, you are fully compliant with the EPC obligations.

The choice of either, is often determined by practical considerations. For example, if it is a sandwich shop in an enclosed building, it makes sense to opt for an EPC kNR, but if the building is part of a site that also includes large non-residential buildings, then the small building can be included in the EPC NR remit. Real estate experts can advise on this.

How is the EPC made up non-residentially?

The non-residential EPC can only be drawn up by a type D energy expert. Each type D energy expert has to pass a central exam. He or she is then registered in the Energy Performance Database.

The energy expert comes on site and will make a number of important observations during his/her visit. He or she will take stock of the building envelope and technical installations, and then record meter readings and energy meters.

So the focus during an inspection is on three things: the building, the energy flows and the generators. Finally, the data are entered by the inspector into a special software programme provided by the Flemish government.

The added value of Real Estate Experts

At Vastgoedexperts, we can fall back on years of expertise in the field of EPC inspections, both residential and non-residential. We are market leader in Flanders when it comes to EPC inspections and can therefore guarantee a stable long-term partnership.

Moreover, we only work with our own certified inspectors. In addition, our customers can always contact a permanent contact person with questions or comments.

Summary

The EPC NR should contribute to a carbon-neutral building stock by 2050. To keep the intended targets feasible and realistic, the obligations will be rolled out in several phases by the Flemish government.

Only a type D energy expert is allowed to draw up an EPC non-residential. The EPC NR is complex and requires a lot of knowledge and know-how. It is therefore best to have it drawn up by an experienced firm with the necessary expertise.

After reading this article, do you still have questions about the non-residential EPC? Or would you like a free quote for your building(s)? Send us an email at info@vastgoedexperts.com or fill in the contact form on our website by clicking on the 'request' page.

For more information on the EPC NR, you can also always visit the Flemish government's website.