{"id":127412,"date":"2023-06-01T11:24:14","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T10:24:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=127412"},"modified":"2023-06-01T11:24:14","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T10:24:14","slug":"how-is-energy-efficiency-regulation-in-construction-changing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/building-control-news\/how-is-energy-efficiency-regulation-in-construction-changing\/127412\/","title":{"rendered":"How is energy efficiency regulation in construction changing?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bluebeam explores how new energy efficiency regulations such as MEES are changing the way landlords and owners are approaching their buildings<\/h2>\n

From 1 April 2023, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for non-domestic buildings has come into effect, making it unlawful to lease a commercial property with an energy rating of F or G.<\/p>\n

It has been illegal to establish or extend a new lease for a commercial building with an energy rating less than E since April 2018. Now, this requirement also applies in the middle of a commercial lease.<\/p>\n

Despite these regulations and the five-year lead time to improve the energy ratings of commercial buildings, less than a third<\/a> of businesses know how energy efficient their office space is.<\/p>\n

Commercial energy assessments and EPCs will now be necessary to ensure compliance<\/h3>\n

To comply with the law, a commercial energy assessment is now required for any non-domestic building.<\/p>\n

Remedial action will be required if the owner cannot prove that their building meets the minimum standards.<\/p>\n

The energy efficiency of a building needs to be assessed to prepare an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is now mandatory to market or rent a building.<\/p>\n

These certificates are valid for 10 years and must be obtained from an approved commercial energy assessor.<\/p>\n

As the UK continues to reduce operational carbon emissions and seek new ways to achieve energy-efficient construction, the government is expected to legislate for an EPC minimum of B by 2030<\/a> for non-domestic buildings.<\/p>\n

However, figures from 2022 show that in London just 25% of all non-domestic buildings currently meet EPC B. This confirms that a huge amount of work must be done to meet the 2030 energy rating target.<\/p>\n

What are the legal requirements for residential properties?<\/h3>\n

The comparable MEES regulations for privately rented residential properties<\/a> have been in place since April 2020, with a requirement for landlords to ensure their building meets a minimum of EPC E by that date.<\/p>\n

By 2025, new private domestic rentals will need to meet a minimum of EPC C, expanding to all domestic rentals by 2028.<\/p>\n

Using technology to meet changing energy efficiency regulations in construction<\/h3>\n

As the deadline to meet these targets swiftly approaches, it is imperative that owners and landlords understand their built assets and ensure that they are fit for purpose<\/a> under the new rules.<\/p>\n

With a legal duty to understand the energy rating of their buildings, whether domestic or commercial, the need for widespread energy assessments to plug this knowledge gap has never been greater.<\/p>\n

A qualified energy assessor needs quick and easy access to the right information<\/a> to undertake a comprehensive and accurate energy assessment.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where Bluebeam comes in. Assessors can easily review building plans and check key areas that influence energy performance, such as:<\/p>\n