At Towngate, we are conscious of the rising cost of energy and its impact on our customers in terms of their overall operational costs and the wider environment. As a responsible Landlord, we recognise the need to cement our commitment to environmental controls, energy efficiency and sustainability of the properties within our portfolio, focussing our attention on a greener future for all. 

In keeping with this, practical completion of our development of 6 x brand new industrial/warehouse units at Towngate Business Centre, Walkden, Manchester, took place on the 27^th August 2024 and we are proud to announce an EPC rating of A- across all 6 units. We have just 3 of the 6 units left and they are available to let, ranging in size from 5,450 – 17,995 sq ft. To view these units, please click below: 

Unit 3B – 5, 450 sq ft Industrial Unit – FULL DETAILS >>

Unit 3C – 5,450 sq ft Industrial Unit – FULL DETAILS >>

Unit 3D– 7,095 sq ft Industrial Unit – FULL DETAILS >>

For September’s blog, we considered it fitting to call upon Mark Beswick, EPC accessor and owner of Chevin Energy Assessors, to provide information relating to the significance of obtaining  acceptable EPC ratings within the commercial property sector, along with an expert insight into current legislative law. 

“A Commercial, or Non-Domestic, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) displays the energy performance of a commercial building on an A+ to G scale (A+ indicating net zero and G being the worst performing).

The rating is based on the estimated carbon emissions of the building, unlike EPCs for existing dwellings which are based on a property’s estimated running costs. A Commercial EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is required for every commercial building when it is constructed, sold or let.

The property sector is already investing heavily and working together to decarbonise, but this needs to be accompanied by clear policy and regulation by Government. The delay in publishing a response to the consultation has already made the proposed interim milestone of EPC C by 2027 unrealistic and any additional delay risks undermining work to deliver the longer-term target of EPC B by 2030.

According to research from Savills 87% of office stock has an EPC rating of C or below, and more than 1 billion sq. ft. across the UK is below the proposed minimum EPC B.

An EPC is intended to inform potential buyers or tenants about the energy performance of a building, so they can consider energy efficiency as part of their investment or business decision to buy or occupy that building.”

If you would like advice from Mark, please contact him on mark@chevinenergyassessors.co.uk,  

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Deadline Extension

Previously set for 2027, commercial landlords and property owners now have until 2028 to meet the requirement of achieving an EPC rating of C for their properties. While the immediate focus is on achieving a C rating by 2028, the commercial property sector still aims to enhance the EPC rating of properties to a B level by 2030. If commercial landlords are unable to comply with these requirements under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Scheme, their assets will be unlettable.

Whilst we have seen a delay in the implementation of the planned legislation to move all commercial property EPCs up the scale to the B Rating band, the widely held view is that it is not a case of if it will happen rather, the only question is, when. 

For all stakeholders energy efficient commercial buildings ultimately mean lower operational costs. They facilitate de carbonisation by using less energy, consequently producing less CO2.

To summarise, the main components of the built environment where efficiency makes a positive difference are:

1. Lighting

• LED lights consume up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and last up to 25 times longer.
• Benefit: Significant reduction in energy costs and less frequent need for replacements.

2. Upgraded Heating and Cooling Systems

• Impact: Modern, high-efficiency boilers or air conditioning units drastically cut down energy usage.
• Benefit: Enhanced energy efficiency and reduced operational expenses.

3. Insulation in the Building Fabric

• Impact: Proper insulation in walls, floors, roofs, and windows minimizes heat loss.
• Benefit: Improved comfort levels for occupants and lower heating costs.

4. Utilising Renewable Energy Sources

• Impact: Solar panels or wind turbines provide clean, sustainable energy.
• Benefit: Reduced dependence on grid electricity and potential energy cost savings.

5. Improved Ventilation

• Impact: Effective ventilation lowers humidity, odours, and pollutants, enhancing indoor air quality.
• Benefit: A healthier environment for occupants and potential energy savings from more efficient heating and cooling.

6. Investment in Building Analytics and plant controls

• Impact: Comprehensive energy control, real-time monitoring, data-driven insights, and automated optimisation of the building management systems. 
• Benefit: Substantial cost savings and environmental sustainability.

For further advice on EPC ratings or to understand what actions landlords should be taking to meet future legislation, please do contact one of the team at Towngate on 01484 715632 and we will gladly help – or put you in contact with somebody who can.