Many of us are familiar with EPC certificates that shows how energy efficient our owner-occupied and rented properties are but did you know that workplaces will soon be assessed in the same way?
New standards set to be introduced in 2023 will see buildings in England and Wales given an energy efficiency rating, expressed as a letter ranging from A (the best performing) to a G (the worst performing).
As in the private rental sector, where it is illegal to renew a tenancy or start a new let if the EPC is below an E, buildings that are not energy efficient will fall foul of the law. As of 2023, existing workplaces where the energy efficiency rating is lower than ‘E’ will not be able to close new leasings.
The incoming legislation has already got agents worried about commercial and retail portfolios, with Colliers stating that as many as 10% of London’s offices could be obsolete in their current state due to their poor energy efficiency standards.
There’s also a word of warning that half measures to make improvements and secure an E rating may not be enough, as the UK Government has reportedly consulted on legislation that could mean only non-domestic buildings with A or B ratings will be legally leasable by 2030.
Unless you are building a workplace from scratch, refurbishment and refitting an existing premises is potentially the only option for owners to upgrade their energy rating. MPL Interiors is already helping many property owners work towards a carbon zero goal or a B rating through detailed refurbishments, but it can also devise an interim package to lift those with an F rating to an E.
If you have concerns about your building’s current energy rating, the best place to start is by reviewing your current EPC or by commissioning a new certificate. MPL Interiors can interpret the results, perform an on-site survey and apply its sustainable, energy-efficient design principles to help you achieve a better rating. Get in touch today.
