EPC Changes in Scotland: New Method for Commercial Buildings

EPC Changes in Scotland: What Commercial Property Owners Need to Know

EPC changes in Scotland are coming, following the Scottish Government’s response to the EPC Reform Consultation. For commercial buildings, the most significant update is the planned introduction of a reference building methodology. This change brings EPC Scotland changes in line with the rest of the UK and fixes key issues in the current framework.

Why the EPC Changes in Scotland Matter

This isn’t just a technical update. It’s a strategic shift in how we design, assess, and manage commercial buildings. At KJ Tait, we see this as a move toward more transparent, performance-driven energy ratings. It also supports Scotland’s wider decarbonisation goals.

When Will the EPC Changes Scotland Take Effect?

These changes are not yet law.  The Scottish Government plans to legislate next year.  Once passed, the new regulations will reshape how EPCs are issued and interpreted across Scotland.

What’s Changing in Scotland’s EPCs?

The proposed framework will base the Energy Efficiency Rating (A to G) on modelled carbon emissions compared to a reference building. This benchmark uses the same geometry and use type, allowing fair comparisons.

This approach fixes a long-standing issue: lack of context. Absolute emissions don’t reflect performance accurately, especially for complex assets. The new method offers:

• Comparative performance benchmarking
• Clearer design feedback
• Consistency across portfolios and regions

EPC Scotland Changes: All Certificates Will Be Reissued

One major proposal is to reduce EPC validity from ten years to five. Once the new rules are in place, every building will need a new EPC under the updated methodology.

This isn’t just about compliance. It’s a chance to:

• Update building performance data
• Identify retrofit opportunities
• Encourage investment in low-carbon upgrades

For landlords and asset managers, this means more frequent assessments, but also better alignment with ESG goals and continuous improvement.

How EPC Changes Scotland Will Impact Commercial Real Estate

For developers, landlords, and consultants, the new EPC framework is more intuitive and actionable. Design teams can model building options with meaningful feedback. Asset managers gain clearer insights across portfolios.

The reference building methodology improves decision-making. It reflects the impact of fabric upgrades, system improvements, and low-carbon technologies more accurately. This helps drive investment in retrofit and design optimisation.

What We Still Need from EPC Scotland Changes

Success depends on implementation. The reference building must be:

• Consistently defined across building types
• Transparent in its assumptions
• Integrated with digital EPC platforms for real-time modelling

We also recommend aligning the reference building with Part L EPCs to avoid cross-border confusion. And we support stronger links to operational performance metrics, so EPCs reflect actual building use—not just design intent.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/epc-reform-consultation-government-response/