Energy efficiency: New standards are no joke

While many play jokes on others on April 1, you cannot be a fool this year if you have an interest in commercial property writes Mohammed Rahman, solicitor at Borneo Martell Turner Coulston April 1 2023 is the most recent key date in the implementation of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards regulations. From that date, it is now unlawful for a landlord to continue to let commercial premises with an EPC rating of F or G unless they have a valid exemption registered. By failing to comply with the regulations, a landlord risks incurring a financial penalty and the breach being publicised.

Although landlords of commercial premises that have a valid EPC of ‘E’ or above are safe for now, the government has consulted on plans to raise the minimum standard from ‘E’ to ‘C’ by 2027 and then further to ‘B’ by 2030.

As such, with the green agenda very much on the government’s manifesto, landlords need to be planning now for future compliance with the regulations, as standards will inevitably rise.

In particular, landlords may need to start: n Identifying any sub-standard properties within their portfolio; n Considering the optimum time for any necessary energy efficiency works to be carried out and how to fund them; n Apportioning responsibility within leases for compliance with MEES or carrying out necessary energy efficiency works; n Considering whether any exemptions may apply.

Landlords need to remember and appreciate that just because they have let a property out - whether on a short-term or long-term basis - they are not released or absolved from their responsibilities in relation to energy efficiency.

For advice or assistance on any commercial property matters, contact Mohammed Rahman at mohammed. rahman@bmtclaw.co.uk or one of the other members of the commercial team on 01604 622101.

Borneo Martell Turner Coulston Solicitors have offices in Northampton and Kettering.

Have your say on plans for renewable energy park

Plans for Kettering Energy Park have taken another step forward with the publication of a draft masterplan.

First Renewable Developments, which is responsible for the site, say the park - east of Burton Latimer, next to the Burton Wold n Find out more and have your say at https://ketteringenergypark. co.uk/development-updates/

Wind Farm - will provide on-site renewable energy for businesses and meet the government’s 68 per cent reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions. The 460-hectare site is intended to generate a mix of wind and solar power.

North Northamptonshire Council is coordinating the public consultation, which closes on May 22.