With the change in Energy regulations, can you still let your commercial building?
Recent updates to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations for UK commercial properties in the UK have brought in tighter controls to ensure buildings are more energy-efficient, aligning with the broader Net Zero Strategy goals.
As of April 1, 2023, commercial landlords must ensure their properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘E’ or above to be legally lettable. This change has prompted a significant shift towards improving energy efficiency across commercial real estate.
While much focus is placed on enhancing roof thermal insulation as a pathway to energy efficiency, it’s essential to understand that other elements also play crucial roles in optimising a building’s energy performance.
Furthermore, these elements can be helpful where replacing the roof itself is not necessary, as they provide alternate paths for compliance and enhancement without requiring significant structural modifications.
How to improve your Commercial Property Energy Efficiency.
- Smart Building Technology: The integration of smart building technologies and Building Management Systems (BMS), can lead to substantial energy savings. These systems manage and monitor building operations, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security, optimising energy use and improving occupant comfort levels.
- Energy-efficient Windows and Glazing: Investing in high-performance glazing and frames can significantly reduce heat loss and gain. Technologies like double or triple glazing, low-emissivity (low-E) glass coatings, and thermally broken frames help maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the load on heating and cooling systems.
- HVAC System Upgrades: Upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC systems can make a dramatic difference in energy consumption. Features such as variable speed drives, demand-controlled ventilation, and energy recovery ventilators enhance performance by adjusting to real-time occupancy and environmental conditions.
- Lighting Efficiency: Transitioning to LED lighting and implementing lighting controls (e.g., motion sensors, dimmers, and daylight harvesting systems) can drastically reduce the energy used for lighting. LEDs offer the double benefit of consuming less energy and having a longer lifespan compared to traditional lighting solutions.
- Insulation and Air Sealing Beyond the Roof: Enhancing insulation in walls, floors, and around windows and doors can significantly reduce energy leakage. Techniques like air sealing gaps and cracks complement insulation efforts by preventing uncontrolled air exchange, which can lead to energy loss.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or wind turbines, can offset energy consumption from non-renewable sources. This improves a building’s EPC rating and contributes to sustainability goals.
- Water Heating Efficiency: Improving water heating efficiency through the use of solar water heating systems or high-efficiency boilers, can reduce energy consumption. Additionally, installing low-flow fixtures conserves water and reduces the energy required to heat it.
- Occupant Engagement and Behavioural Change: Encouraging occupants to adopt energy-saving habits, such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use, can have a significant impact on a building’s overall energy footprint. Educational programs and energy management policies can support these behavioural changes.
So, if your commercial properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘E’ or above, your commercial property is lettable under MEES.
If you do not meet the MEES requirements, by implementing these energy efficiency steps, you help to improve your properties’ energy performance.
This holistic approach to energy efficiency helps ensure compliance with the MEES Regulations and contributes to reducing operational costs and enhancing the sustainability profile of your property portfolio.
If you would like more information on roof recoating solutions or alternative energy saving technologies, please contact us
