Winter places significant pressure on the energy performance of UK commercial properties. Colder temperatures, increased heating demand, reduced daylight hours, and fluctuating occupancy patterns can all push buildings to operate inefficiently. For businesses preparing for an EPC assessment, planning for MEES compliance, or simply wanting to reduce running costs, improving winter energy efficiency is essential.
This guide provides a practical, sector-focused winter energy efficiency checklist designed for commercial buildings, including offices, warehouses, logistics sites, retail spaces, hospitality venues, and public sector estates. Each step is based on industry best practice, UK regulations, and insights from commercial assessors who understand how seasonal conditions impact EPC outcomes.
By following this checklist, businesses can improve operational performance, lower energy bills, and support a stronger commercial EPC result when assessed.
Why Does Winter Energy Efficiency Matter for Commercial Buildings in the UK?
Winter is the period in which most commercial properties experience their highest energy consumption. Heating systems run for longer, insulation weaknesses become more noticeable, and inefficient lighting has a bigger impact when natural light levels are low.
Poor winter performance can lead to:
• Higher energy bills
• Lower commercial EPC scores
• Increased risk of failing MEES compliance
• Reduced occupant comfort
• Greater environmental impact
Many issues identified in an EPC assessment become most visible during winter, making this season the ideal time to identify deficiencies and act.
What Should Commercial Buildings Check First in Winter?
Before reviewing technical improvements, start by assessing the building’s baseline performance. This includes gathering energy data, reviewing your most recent EPC report, and confirming whether previous efficiency recommendations were implemented.
Review Current EPC & MEES Position
If your commercial property has an existing EPC rating, start by reviewing:
• Current rating
• Recommended improvements
• Payback periods
• Heating system efficiency
• Lighting type and controls
• Insulation ratings
If your building falls below an E rating, you may require MEES guidance. EPC Hub offers consultancy for businesses needing clear compliance pathways.
Winter Energy Efficiency Checklist for Offices, Warehouses & Retail Sites
This checklist covers the core steps that commercial property owners, landlords, and facility managers can take to improve winter energy efficiency.
How Can Heating Systems Be Optimised in Winter?
Heating is the single largest contributor to winter energy consumption in commercial buildings. Ensuring that systems operate efficiently can significantly improve both comfort and energy performance.
Service & Maintain Heating Equipment
• Check boiler efficiency
• Inspect heat pumps
• Confirm thermostat accuracy
• Clean ventilation systems
• Review air handling unit performance
These steps help maintain system efficiency and support stronger commercial EPC outcomes.
Install Smart Heating Controls
Smart zoned controls allow different spaces to be heated only when occupied. For example:
• Meeting rooms
• Warehouses with varying shift patterns
• Retail back-of-house areas
• Break rooms
• Office open plan zones
Check Pipe Insulation
Poor insulation around pipework can lead to heat loss, particularly in older buildings. Pipe lagging is a low cost solution that improves winter performance.
How Can Insulation Improve Winter Efficiency?
Insulation plays a critical role in maintaining internal temperatures. Poor insulation is one of the most common reasons commercial buildings lose energy.
Inspect Roof & Loft Insulation
Roof spaces account for up to 25 percent of heat loss in commercial buildings.
Common issues include:
• Gaps in insulation
• Compressed insulation materials
• Dampness reducing insulation effectiveness
Assess Wall Insulation
Cavity walls and solid walls behave differently. Ensure documentation is available for any insulation previously installed, as assessors can only record evidence that is verified.
Upgrade Glazing Where Feasible
Double or triple glazing can significantly reduce heat loss, particularly in retail and office premises with large window areas.
How Can Commercial Buildings Improve Their Lighting Efficiency in Winter?
Shorter days mean lighting is used more frequently. Upgrading to LED lighting and installing automatic controls can significantly improve winter energy efficiency.
Switch to LED Lighting
LEDs use up to 80 percent less energy than halogen or fluorescent lights.
Benefits include:
• Longer lifespan
• Lower maintenance
• Cooler operation
• Better light quality
Install Lighting Controls
• Occupancy sensors
• Daylight sensors
• Timed lighting zones
• Automatic dimming
These controls are especially useful in:
• Warehouses
• Retail back rooms
• Offices with inconsistent occupancy
How Should Ventilation Be Managed in Winter?
Ventilation systems affect both air quality and heating efficiency.
Balance Heating with Ventilation Requirements
During winter, excessive ventilation can dramatically increase heating demand. Consider:
• Reducing ventilation rates in low occupancy periods
• Ensuring vents are clean and operational
• Checking heat recovery systems
Maintain Air Tightness
Air leaks increase heat loss. Check:
• Door seals
• Window frames
• Roller shutter gaps in warehouses
• Loading bay areas
What Role Does Building Management Play in Winter Efficiency?
Building Management Systems control heating, lighting, and ventilation. When optimised, these systems contribute significantly to efficiency.
Review BMS Settings for Winter Operation
Seasonal adjustments should include:
• Calibrating temperature set points
• Adjusting schedules for shorter days
• Optimising ventilation rates
• Reducing out of hours heating
How Can Staff Behaviour Improve Winter Energy Performance?
Occupant behaviour plays a larger role in winter energy use than many businesses realise.
Provide Clear Winter Energy Guidelines
Encourage teams to:
• Close doors in heated zones
• Turn off lights when not in use
• Report heating issues promptly
• Dress appropriately to reduce thermostat demands
Small behaviour changes can significantly enhance winter energy efficiency.
Winter Energy Advice for Specific Commercial Sectors
Commercial buildings differ widely in design, occupancy, and energy demands. Below are recommendations tailored for key sectors based on your verified operational scope.
Offices
• Reduce heating in meeting rooms during low occupancy
• Install desk level sensors to detect presence
• Optimise ventilation for hybrid working patterns
Warehouses & Distribution Centres
• Check roller shutter mechanisms
• Add insulation to high roofs
• Implement zoned heating where only workers operate
Retail Sites
• Review window display lighting
• Use closed-door policies to retain heat
• Consider LED floodlighting outside peak hours
When Should Businesses Schedule Their Commercial EPC in Winter?
Winter offers a realistic picture of how a building performs. Many businesses schedule EPCs during this period because:
• Energy inefficiencies are easier to identify
• MEES planning is more accurate
• Occupancy and heating patterns reflect real world conditions
Winter Maintenance Tasks That Support Better EPC Performance
Checklist items include:
• Roof inspections
• Boiler servicing
• Draught proofing
• Lighting upgrades
• Ventilation system cleaning
• Evidence gathering for previous upgrades
This information is vital because assessors cannot record upgrades without proof.
Ready to Improve Winter Energy Efficiency in Your Commercial Building?
If your business wants lower running costs, improved comfort, stronger EPC results, or clearer MEES planning, winter is the ideal time to take action. EPC Hub provides accredited nationwide support for commercial buildings, including offices, retail sites, warehouses, logistics facilities, hospitality venues, and public sector estates.
Speak to our specialists today for commercial EPC assessments, MEES consultancy, and practical improvement guidance tailored to your property.
Book your winter EPC consultation today.
