Aipedia: Energy assessors and retrofit coordinators

AI in non-domestic EPCs and Display Energy Certificates

Aipedia, by the Apex broking team · Last reviewed 2026-10-30

AI can propose zoning, activities and plant data for non-domestic EPCs and DECs, but the assessor must confirm each choice against the real building. A wrong commercial rating can affect leases, lettings and works, so claims tend to be larger.

Part of: AI in energy assessors and retrofit coordinators

In short

Non-domestic assessors use AI to propose zoning from drawings, suggest activities, extract plant data and clean meter data for SBEM-based EPCs and DECs. Errors in zoning or activity selection can move a rating significantly. The 2012 EPB Regulations require reasonable care and skill (reg 24(1)), consistent and accurate assessment by qualified members (reg 22(3)) and indemnity arrangements covering buyers and tenants (reg 22(3)(e)). Commercial claims can involve lease and letting losses, so check limits, aggregation and how your PI treats AI-assisted modelling.

How non-domestic assessors use AI

Non-domestic EPCs are produced using SBEM-based calculations, and Display Energy Certificates are based on a building's operational energy use. Both involve a lot of data: zones, activities, servicing strategies, plant, lighting and metered consumption. AI tools are being used to read drawings and propose zoning, suggest activity types from room names, extract plant details from O&M manuals and photos, and tidy up meter data.

These are areas where judgement matters. Zoning and activity choices drive the result, and a building's use on paper is not always its use in practice.

The duties that apply

Non-domestic energy assessors are covered by the same Part 5 framework as domestic assessors. The duties relevant to AI are:

Reg 24(1) of the EPB Regulations 2012: assessments must be carried out with reasonable care and skill.
Reg 22(3)(a) and (b): schemes must provide for consistent, accurate and independent assessments by qualified members, so the assessor must be competent at the relevant level and able to check the tool's choices.
Reg 22(3)(e): indemnity arrangements must cover relevant persons and prospective or actual buyers or tenants, which in commercial property includes incoming tenants.
Reg 23: related party disclosures apply.

Scheme operating requirements set evidence and insurance minimums. Our rules map covers the detail.

What can go wrong

Errors in commercial ratings can have large knock-on effects. The common AI-related failure points are:

Zoning: the tool splits or merges zones in a way that does not reflect how spaces are actually serviced.
Activity selection: a room labelled "store" on a drawing is used as an office, or the reverse.
Plant data: system efficiencies or controls taken from the wrong document or an outdated manual.
DEC data: meter readings mis-allocated or gaps filled without disclosure.
Weak audit trail: the assessor cannot show why a zoning or activity decision was made.

Illustrative: an assessor uses an AI tool to zone a multi-let office building from drawings. The tool assigns a lower-intensity activity to several areas that are in practice used as offices with comfort cooling. The EPC shows a better rating than the building deserves. An incoming tenant agrees lease terms on the strength of it, then faces works and higher running costs. A later reassessment produces a worse rating that affects the landlord's ability to let other floors under minimum energy efficiency standards, and both parties look to the assessor.

How PI usually responds

Claims from commercial landlords and tenants can be larger than domestic claims, because they may involve rent, lease negotiations, letting delays and works across a whole building. A claim that the rating was negligently produced is usually treated as professional negligence under PI, subject to the terms. Scheme rules set the minimum cover; Elmhurst, for example, requires accredited members to arrange their own PI and public liability insurance. Check whether your limit is adequate for commercial work and whether it applies per claim or in aggregate; see any one claim versus aggregate. If you subcontract assessments or use another firm's software outputs, check how the policy treats work done by others; see PI when using subcontractors. Our guide to PI and AI mistakes sets out the general approach.

Practical controls

Non-domestic work rewards a documented decision trail. Useful controls are:

Walk the building and confirm actual use before accepting AI zoning or activity suggestions.
Record the reason for each significant zoning and activity decision.
Cross-check plant data against at least two sources where possible.
For DECs, keep the meter data used and note any estimates.
Agree scope and reliance in your terms, especially where reports go to tenants or lenders.

Related guides cover AI photo evidence and data capture and the move to new EPC metrics.

How Apex helps

Apex arranges PI for non-domestic energy assessors and energy consultants through our energy consultants PI service. A broker reviews whether your limits suit commercial work and how your policy treats AI-assisted modelling. See the AI in energy assessment hub.

Sources

Frequently asked

Can AI zone a building for a non-domestic EPC?

AI can propose zoning from drawings, but the assessor must check it against how the building is actually used and serviced. Reg 24(1) of the 2012 Regulations requires reasonable care and skill, and schemes audit the decisions behind the rating.

Why are non-domestic EPC claims often larger?

Commercial ratings can affect lease negotiations, letting, rent and works across a whole building. Incoming tenants and landlords may both rely on the certificate, so losses from an error can be significant.

Who can claim if a commercial EPC is wrong?

The client, and potentially other people who relied on the certificate. The 2012 Regulations require schemes to provide for indemnity arrangements covering relevant persons and prospective or actual buyers or tenants.

Check your PI covers how you use AI

Tell us about your firm and the work you do. A broker will review how your current PI treats AI-assisted work, or arrange new cover. No fee for a quote. Or call 0117 325 0027.

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Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. This page is general information about how AI is used in the profession and how insurance may respond. It is not legal, regulatory or insurance advice on your circumstances, and it does not guarantee that cover will be available or on what terms.