FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Commercial landlords and tenants across the UK are gearing up for potentially significant changes as the requirements of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation are strengthened. Government consultation has indicated that properties will be required to meet a minimum EPC rating of C, up from the current minimum of E by 2027, rising to a rating of B by 2030. This change aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the commercial property sector.
For Facilities and Workplace professionals, this change of legal requirements adds another layer of responsibility to the management of business premises, especially for those currently looking at the prospect of a new lease and/or a relocation.
The team at East On Commercial Interiors has years of experience in advising clients on energy efficiency and sustainability and their energy assessors are available to audit your proposed or current premises. There are many factors to consider if you are likely to be affected by this change in the law in the short term; Scott Newland, East On’s Commercial Director, advises that there are several steps that Facilities Managers can take:
- Conduct an Energy Audit
- Hire a professional assessor: Get a detailed report on your property’s current energy performance.
- Identify key areas: Focus on areas that have the most impact on the EPC rating, such as insulation, lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
- Upgrade Insulation
- Walls and Roof: Improve insulation in walls, roofs, and floors to reduce heat loss.
- Windows and Doors: Install double or triple glazing to enhance thermal efficiency.
- Upgrade Heating and Cooling Systems
- High-efficiency boilers: Replace old boilers with energy-efficient models.
- HVAC systems: Upgrade to modern, energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
- Smart thermostats: Use programmable or smart thermostats to optimise heating and cooling.
- Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
- LED lighting: Replace incandescent and fluorescent lights with LED alternatives.
- Automated controls: Use motion sensors and daylight controls to minimise unnecessary lighting.
- Renewable Energy Sources
- Solar panels: Consider installing solar panels to generate renewable energy.
- Heat pumps: Ground source or air source heat pumps can be more efficient alternatives to traditional heating.
- Water Efficiency
- Low-flow fixtures: Install low-flow taps, toilets and showers to reduce water usage.
- Greywater systems: Implement systems that recycle water for non-potable uses.
- Monitor and Maintain
- Ongoing maintenance: Regularly service heating systems, insulation and other energy-related installations to ensure they continue to operate efficiently.
- Energy management systems: Invest in building energy management systems (BEMS) to monitor and optimise energy usage.
- Seek Funding and Incentives
- Government grants: Explore available grants and incentives for energy efficiency upgrades.
- Green loans: Consider financing options like green loans that offer favourable terms for energy improvements.
- Engage Tenants
- Education: If you are a landlord, encourage tenants to adopt energy-saving practices.
- Shared savings: Consider introducing agreements where both landlords and tenants share the savings from reduced energy costs.
East On Commercial Director, Scott Newland
The East On Commercial Interiors team can help Facilities Managers with the initial energy performance assessment as well as the building upgrades needed to meet the new criteria. Whilst the above list might appear daunting, with years of experience working with some of the best-known companies in the UK, Scott’s team are able to deliver turnkey solutions for businesses which will minimise pressure on businesses with their “one stop shop” approach.
He comments: “This change in legislation may come as a surprise to some; we anticipate that demand for EPC assessments will mushroom as these new standards come into effect. We’ve delivered upgrades in premises across the country and are confident that our end-to-end project delivery can bring buildings up to standard within tight deadlines.”
This legislation compels landlords to invest in energy-efficient upgrades, so now is the time to act to avoid a possible fine, but of course energy efficiency is good for the planet as well as a potential cost saving in the medium-to-long term too.
The new EPC standards represent both a challenge and an opportunity for commercial landlords to enhance the value of their properties and to contribute to the UK’s broader sustainability goals. If you are considering a lease on a new premises or want to get ahead of the new targets, the East On team is ready to help.
For more information, why not contact Scott for an informal chat about how his team can help with any questions you have about this change in requirements for your building, whether you are a landlord or a tenant: scott.newland@eastonprojects.co.uk
www.eastoncommercialinteriors.co.uk
