As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, upcoming changes to EPC regulations come into force in April 2023.
So, how do you make sure your commercial properties are compliant – and can you get ahead of the curve with a new office fit out? As a landlord, you have the opportunity to go a step further, beyond what is simply required – and it could also save you money while you save the planet. Compliance with EPC regulations is one thing, but making your property as sustainable as possible can present many benefits for you, your occupants and the environment.
EPC Grade E by April 2023
In just two months, the first EPC deadline lands for all commercial property owners. From April, every rented commercial property will be required by law to have an EPC rating of ‘E’ or above as the MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard) is raised. EPCs are graded energy surveys that are taken on any property. Graded from A – G, they assess the energy efficiency of a building based on a number of factors, such as the amount of energy used and lost. There’s no guaranteed way to achieve an ‘E’ rating, but making improvements wherever you can when it comes to lighting, heating and insulation would go a long way.
Where to start
There are various ways to improve a building’s energy efficiency to achieve the ‘E’ minimum – indeed you may well have already achieved it. However, with further deadlines coming into force in a few years – it’s worth getting ready for these too. By 1st April 2027, all commercial property will be required to attain an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above, with that minimum requirement being raised to a ‘B’ rating by 1st April 2030. Given this is a significant jump from an E rating, switching out the odd light bulb and installing a smart meter may not be enough. There are a number of simple ways to improve energy efficiency in your office and boost your EPC rating; some more obvious than others.
- Switch to energy-efficient, LED light bulbs
- Incorporate more natural light, to reduce reliance on electricity.
- Install dimmer switches to control lighting levels and reduce energy usage.
- Install PIR sensor lighting – A study by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2001 found that occupancy motion sensors can reduce energy waste by as much as 68 per cent!
It’s not just lighting, either.
- Making sure your office is heated and air-conditioned using an efficient HVAC system will go a long way to upping your EPC rating.
- Review control settings and schedules to make sure you’re not over-using them.
How AXIS House can help
A brand-new office fit out presents the perfect opportunity to improve the EPC rating of your commercial property portfolio ahead of the upcoming deadlines. A full fit out allows you to really ‘get under the bonnet’ of your building and make meaningful changes. As experts in office fit outs, we have years of experience in making commercial properties run more efficiently. Using the latest in modern HVAC systems, energy-efficient lighting and even utilising natural light to reduce energy consumption altogether. As well as adding tangible value to your portfolio, AXIS House can help to make the operational running of your office most cost-effective, and energy-efficient and subsequently get your EPC rating up to standard. With 2030 only 7 years away – it makes sense to get ahead of the curve and consider an office fit out review project for your commercial property ahead of the regulation changes.
Contact us today to book a free site survey or consultation!
