The result
A new build commercial unit reached practical completion with the EPC certificate issued on time and with no last‑minute delays.
ATSPACE controlled the as‑built evidence, verified the installed building‑services configuration, ensured the assessment reflected reality rather than early design assumptions, and lodged the EPC in line with the completion programme.
Project snapshot
Service: New build and conversion commercial EPC assessment
Client: Developer and design‑and‑build contractor
Site address: Northgate Trade Park, Unit 4, 18 Sterling Avenue, Coventry CV6 6FP
Building type: New build commercial unit with ancillary office accommodation
Floor area: Approx. 6,900 m²
Services: Mixed heating and cooling with mechanical ventilation and local controls
Programme stage: Practical completion window
Client objective: EPC issued in time for PC, handover and letting pack
ATSPACE delivery: Evidence checklist, on‑site evidence capture, assessment update, EPC lodgement, certificate issue, handover summary
Assessors: ATSPACE commercial energy assessor team and compliance coordinator
Why the EPC was a programme risk
Commercial EPCs often become urgent at the end of a project, when teams are already stretched.
This project faced three typical risks:
- services installation had changed through procurement, with updates held in multiple places
- commissioning was still ongoing close to PC
- the EPC needed to follow the as built configuration, not outdated drawings
The client wanted a straightforward outcome: a correct EPC issued at the moment of completion, not a delay that affected letting and handover.
What a new build commercial EPC assessment involves
A compliant EPC depends on clear, correct evidence. ATSPACE focused on:
Fabric evidence
Walls, roof, floor build‑ups, glazing, air‑tightness assumptions.
Building‑services evidence
Heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water, zoning, controls, metering, lighting type and lighting controls.
Consistency and audit trail
Inputs must align with what was actually installed to avoid last‑minute rework.
What ATSPACE was asked to do
- deliver the EPC within the practical‑completion window
- reduce evidence chasing
- ensure the assessment matched the actual installed systems
- lodge the certificate in time for PC and handover documentation
What ATSPACE did
Step 1: Set an evidence checklist early
A targeted checklist was issued ahead of PC week, covering:
- final plans and areas
- glazing schedule
- insulation build‑up confirmations
- lighting layout, luminaire schedule and controls
- HVAC schedules and control descriptions
- ventilation strategy and flow rates
- metering and BMS information
- any substitutions made since design stage
This immediately reduced end‑stage admin pressure.
Step 2: Confirm the as‑built position on site
ATSPACE conducted an on‑site review with the contractor and M&E team, checking:
- lighting performance and control mode
- HVAC zoning and control logic
- ventilation operation
- whether the building matched the intended control setup
Most EPC‑risk items were resolved during this stage.
Step 3: Close out late changes properly
Late design and procurement changes were captured and incorporated into the EPC:
- a lighting substitution
- adjustments to the control‑interface approach
This ensured the final model represented the installed building.
Step 4: Lodge the EPC to match the completion sequence
Once final evidence was confirmed, ATSPACE lodged the EPC immediately and provided the certificate for the completion file and letting pack.
Problems faced and how they were solved
Lighting substitution not in the latest schedule
The model assumed the original luminaire.
ATSPACE confirmed the installed product, updated the inputs and prevented late rework.
Controls description unclear between contractor packages
Control logic was installed but not properly documented.
ATSPACE worked with the services team to record the control intent clearly.
Evidence scattered across drawings, emails and notes
ATSPACE compiled a single evidence pack and confirmed it on site, avoiding confusion.
Outcome
The EPC certificate was issued on time, ready for practical completion and handover.
Project outcomes
- no programme delay caused by EPC availability
- reduced admin load for the contractor
- assessment aligned with as‑built services and controls
- clear, defensible evidence pack for handover and letting
Common mistakes this project avoided
- leaving EPC evidence gathering to the final week
- relying on early design assumptions after services changed
- using conservative defaults due to unclear controls
- ignoring lighting substitutions
- treating the EPC as simple paperwork rather than a compliance deliverable
CTA
If your project is approaching practical completion and you need a commercial EPC delivered without delays, ATSPACE will control the evidence, align the assessment to the installed building, and issue the certificate in line with your programme.
Ask for:
- new build commercial EPC assessment
- as‑built evidence capture and EPC‑file coordination
- EPC issue aligned to practical completion and handover
- support managing late‑stage services changes
Frequently asked questions
When is a commercial EPC needed?
At completion, and for sale or letting.
What usually delays a commercial EPC?
Missing services evidence, unclear controls, lighting substitutions, and inconsistent documentation.
Can you issue the EPC quickly if evidence is ready?
Yes — speed depends on clear, confirmed evidence.
Do you help organise the evidence pack?
Yes. A clean evidence pack reduces end‑stage queries and prevents delays.
