_{Image source: Property Wire – “Commercial EPC ratings inconsistent across Europe”}

Savills’ recent analysis of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings for commercial buildings across Europe highlights a troubling lack of regulatory coherence.

A property awarded the highest rating in one country may receive up to four grades lower in another, despite identical energy performance. This disparity is not limited to cross-border comparisons; within Belgium, for instance, the same building may be rated C in Flanders and D or even F in Brussels. Such fragmentation poses significant challenges for investors and occupiers seeking sustainable assets, as the value of an EPC label varies considerably depending on local context.

Beyond the technical critique, the report invites a strategic reflection: relying solely on EPC ratings may lead to misguided decisions. A building with a high rating in one country could be less efficient than one with a lower rating in a region with stricter standards.

While the EU’s revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) aims to harmonise criteria, Savills warns that local differences will persist due to political, climatic and technical factors. In this landscape, competitive advantage lies not in meeting minimum requirements, but in exceeding national standards and aligning with urban expectations.