Commercial property owners in Scotland are being warned to take necessary action ahead of upcoming energy efficiency changes scheduled for later in the year.
These changes are coming as part of the Scottish government’s pledge to improve the energy efficiency of all buildings in Scotland.
Alterations
There are just over three months to go until the new energy efficiency regulations come into force. However, concerns are being raised that a number of landlords north of the border are unprepared.
Concerning research from property consultancy Tuffin Ferraby Taylor reveals that 70% of commercial property owners in the country are yet to complete a necessary energy efficiency plan.
The new rules state that owners of buildings in excess of 1,000sqm who either sell or rent their property must provide an Action Plan. Included in this plan should be measures to help improve energy performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the property. In addition, property owners will be permitted to submit energy improvement data to the Scottish Energy Performance Certificate register.
Commercial landlords in Scotland warned over energy efficiency changes
Warnings
While there is still time to complete plans before they come into force on the 1st September, Tuffin Ferraby Taylor warns landlords who fail to comply with the new legislation that they face huge fines.
Mat Lown, head of sustainability and a partner at Tuffin Ferraby Taylor, said, ‘it doesn’t happen in hours and weeks-it takes time to assess the building, look at energy output. So really, what we’re saying to commercial property landlords, the time to act is now.’[1]
‘Some 40% of UK carbon emissions come from buildings. These new regulations from the Scottish government should reduce energy use, emissions and-importantly-running costs for larger, commercial buildings. However, landlords must be pro-active so they don’t fall foul of local authorities,’ Mr Lown added.[1]
[1] https://www.propertyinvestortoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2016/5/scottish-landlords-unprepared-for-changes-to-energy-efficiency