Tougher EPC targets for commercial buildings

By Daniel Thackray, Chairman & Director, Head of Valuation & Lease Advisory, Caxtons Property Consultants

With the race to “net zero”, the rules on energy efficiency in commercial buildings are tightening and every landlord needs to be aware.

It is essential to have an up to date Energy Performance Certificate before your property is put on the market for buyers or for tenants.

In April this year, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, which first came into force in 2018, were extended.

Now non-domestic landlords are required to obtain an EPC of at least an E rating whether their tenants are new or existing ones.

New buildings also require an EPC as do properties where there have been major renovations or certain changes of use.

The law is enforced by the local weights and measures authorities who can issue a compliance notice. If the landlord or owner still refuses to act, fines of between £5,000 and £150,000 based on the rateable value of the building can be imposed.

But the Government has confirmed that it aims to go still further with a target of a minimum B rating by 2030, or by 2025 for new buildings.

So now is a good time for commercial landlords to make certain they are complying with existing law and consider upgrading the heating, lighting, ventilation and insulation of their buildings.

After all, decarbonising your property will also improve its value and save money in the long term.

To find out more about how to get an EPC, how much an EPC will cost, what you can register exemptions in, and how to stay one step ahead of the new rules, please head to www.caxtons.com and read the full article: TOUGHER EPC TARGETS AND YOUR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.

For more information visit the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/energy-performance-certificate-commercial-property

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