Have your say on plans for tighter energy efficiency standards in commercial buildings
The government is seeking views on how to improve the energy performance of non-domestic private rented buildings through tighter minimum energy efficiency standards.
It has set out clear long-term trajectory to 2030, ‘to provide time and certainty’ to non-domestic landlords, businesses and the energy efficiency market in delivering the energy savings to support a zero-carbon future.
The minimum energy efficiency standards were introduced in 2018, to improve the worst performing buildings in both the domestic and non-domestic stock. From April 2018, landlords of non-domestic private rented sector (PRS) properties have not been permitted to grant a new tenancy or to extend or renew an existing tenancy if their property had an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of an F or G. From 1 April 2023, this prohibition on leasing will also apply to continuing with an existing lease; i.e. all non-domestic PRS properties will need to be at least EPC E.
The Government now wants to strengthen regulations and has identified two potential trajectories:
- The preferred trajectory is that all non-domestic privately rented buildings achieve a minimum energy efficiency standard of EPC B by 1 April 2030, provided the measure or package of measures required to reach an EPC B prove cost effective.
- The alternative trajectory is that all non-domestic privately rented buildings reach an EPC C by 1 April 2030 if cost effective.
Business and industry are responsible for over a quarter of UK emissions, a significant proportion of which are created through businesses’ demand for energy. According to government figures, the majority of that energy is used to heat the buildings they occupy: of the total energy consumed by UK businesses in 2014-15, 52% was used in maintaining the non-domestic building stock.
The consultation closes on 7 January 2020. Visit the consultation page for more details.
Are you affected by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards? Download our free guide, or get in touch for advice.
