EPC requirement for non-residential buildings practically explained

What exactly does this obligation entail and to whom does it apply? We list the most important aspects.

To whom does this obligation apply?

The obligation applies to all owners and business right holders, regardless of whether the building is leased or sold. Merely owning a non-residential building unit with a usable area greater than 500 m² sufficient to require having a valid EPC NR.

Which buildings does this rule apply to?

The EPC NR is only required for (large) non-residential buildings, meaning:

• The building no residential zoning may have, such as a residence.
• The building not under the exclusion category falls, such as industrial buildings (workshops, warehouses or production halls) or buildings on a farm.

Examples of non-residential buildings covered by the requirement:

• Offices
• Stores
• Service Centers

How is usable floor area calculated?

Usable floor area is calculated per functional building unit with a private lockable access. Separate rooms connected by a connecting door and functioning as one unit are considered one building unit.

If the usable floor area maximum 500 m² and is not part of a large nonresidential entity , the owner has the choice:

• Either let him have a EPC NR formatting;
• Either let him have a EPC kNR (small non-residential) draw up. This attestation is required only in the case of transfers and rentals.

What in mixed use?

Some buildings combine industrial functions with non-residential or residential uses. In this case, it must be determined whether the industrial space is included or excluded for calculating usable floor area.

Industrial space is not counted if:

• The non-residential and/or residential spaces combined exceed 250 m² amounts.
• The industrial space bigger is than these other spaces.

If industrial space is not excluded, then the main destination of the building:

• If the industrial function more than 70 percent of the building occupies, no EPC NR requirement applies.
• If the nonresidential use occupies the largest area and the building is larger than 500 m², an EPC NR is mandatory.

With a mix of residential and non-residential functions, the largest area considered a principal use.

Practical examples

1. Workshop (800 m²) + office space (300 m²) without connecting door

• The workshop and office space are considered separate entities.
• The workshop is excluded and has no EPC requirement.
• The office space is non-residential, with an area less than 500 sq. ft. In this case, an EPC (small) non-residential is required.

2. Workshop (800 m²) + office space (300 m²) with connecting door

• Are considered one building unit.
• The workshop is excluded if the office space exceeds 250 sq. m.
• Since the total usable floor area of the non-residential portion is less than 500 sq. m., an EPC (small) non-residential should be prepared.

3. Workshop (900 m²) + office space (200 m²) with connecting door

• Are considered one building unit.
• The workshop is not excluded because the office space is less than 250 sq. m.
• If the workspace occupies 70 percent or more of the total usable floor area, the zoning is considered industrial and no EPC (k)NR requirement applies.