Commercial energy assessor

Commercial energy assessors measure the energy efficiency of commercial buildings to produce Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificates.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties, you may:

  • carry out detailed inspections of properties
  • collect information on property age, number of floors and building type
  • measure the number and size of rooms and windows
  • identify heating systems
  • write reports and advise on how to reduce energy use and costs
  • record the information on a computer system to produce an energy efficiency rating and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Working environment

You could work in an office, from home or visit sites.

Career path and progression

With further training you could:

  • carry out low carbon assessments
  • consult on sustainability issues
  • become a teacher, helping students gain a certificate or diploma

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to read English
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • maths knowledge
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Most relevant

  • Physics - Commercial energy assessors need to understand how heat transfers through walls, windows, and roofs, and how heating and cooling systems work. Concepts like thermal conductivity, insulation, and energy efficiency are central to assessing how well a building performs.
  • Mathematics - Commercial energy assessors measure rooms, windows, and floor areas, and use these measurements to calculate energy efficiency ratings. They work with formulas, ratios, and data to produce accurate Energy Performance Certificates.
  • Design and Technology - Commercial energy assessors need to understand how buildings are constructed, including the materials used in walls, roofs, and glazing. This knowledge helps them assess how well a building retains heat and where energy is being wasted.
  • Environmental Science - Commercial energy assessors work directly on reducing the environmental impact of buildings by identifying ways to cut energy use and carbon emissions. Understanding sustainability, climate change, and how energy consumption affects the environment is at the core of this role.

Also relevant

  • Engineering - Commercial energy assessors inspect heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in commercial buildings. Understanding how these engineered systems work helps them evaluate their efficiency and recommend improvements.
  • Geography - Commercial energy assessors benefit from understanding how climate, location, and land use affect a building's energy needs. Geography also covers topics like sustainability and resource management, which connect directly to reducing energy consumption.
  • Business - Commercial energy assessors often work as self-employed consultants and need to manage clients, price their services, and market themselves. They also advise building owners on cost savings, so understanding financial decision-making is useful.
  • Computer Science - Commercial energy assessors use specialist software to model building energy performance and generate Energy Performance Certificates. Understanding how these digital tools process data helps them input information accurately and interpret the results.

How to become

You can get into this job through specialist courses run by private training organisations.

If you have no previous experience of commercial energy assessing you'll need to do one or both of the following:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Non-Domestic Energy Assessments
  • Level 4 Diploma in Commercial Energy Assessments

With a Level 3 diploma, you can carry out assessments on existing buildings.

With a Level 4 diploma, you can carry out assessments on new and existing commercial buildings.

If you have relevant experience from related roles or industries like surveying, construction or engineering, you may be able to do a fast-track course or have your previous experience accredited.

Further information

The government provides further information and a register of commercial energy assessors.

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