Wednesday 7 September 2016

New energy efficiency rules for commercial properties

New energy efficiency rules for commercial properties

New regulations for building owners in Scotland to assess and improve the energy and carbon performance of existing non-domestic buildings have come into force.

The rules apply to owners of buildings - with a floor area of more than 1,000m2 - who plan to sell or lease to a new tenant.

The new requirements are in addition to providing a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

The owner of the building must undertake further assessment to produce an ‘Action Plan’ which identifies targets for improvement of the carbon and energy performance of the building and how these targets would be met through physical improvements to the property.

Targets are set by applying seven measures which includes upgrading lighting controls to include occupancy or photoelectric sensors, adding central timer controls to heating systems, improving insulation, replacing boilers older than 15 years and improving lighting.

Once the Action Plan is finalised, the owner can choose to improve or defer the improvements by reporting operational energy ratings on an annual basis, the Scottish Government states.

The information, just like an EPC, must be made available to prospective buyers or tenants and provided to the new owner or tenant.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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