Mather Jamie is encouraging commercial property owners to future proof their premises by investing in green technology.
The East Midlands’ commercial property specialist has revealed that businesses are showing greater interest in going green when searching for new premises.
The Loughborough-based firm is now advising property owners that investing in new technology will make their premises more appealing and result in higher returns.
Alex Reid, Director at Mather Jamie, comments: “We are finding that there is growing interest in eco features, a trend that we believe will continue to grow considerably post-recession and as energy costs continue to rise.
“Energy costs will continue to increase in the future, so while initial rents may be higher for energy efficient properties, those with a better energy performance rating will generally benefit from lower running costs.
“As there is the potential for inefficient buildings to be taxed in the future, some buildings will require significant alteration prior to being occupied – a cost that will be passed onto occupiers and owners alike – so businesses should be considering the long-term benefits of sustainable offices and taking action now.
“Currently, premises with high levels of sustainability are providing higher returns due to high demand and lack of suitable premises.”
Mather Jamie has seen increasing demand for eco premises in recent months, with offices at Cedars Office Park in Normanton-on-Soar and Pear Tree Office Park in Ratby generating strong interest.
Alex adds: “We are certainly seeing good levels of interest in offices with green credentials, but this is not purely linked to lower running costs.
“Businesses are becoming more aware of what their premises say about their ethos, with many now wanting to demonstrate that their carbon footprint reflects their company’s efficiency and effectiveness.
“For many of our clients it is the combination of eco features that has proved attractive and we have two rural office developments that have been designed specifically to offer all of the latest energy efficient technology.
“Cedars Office Park, which is now 75% let, and Pear Tree Office Park benefit from high levels of environmental engineering; their sustainability and effectiveness as a working environment has been considered throughout the construction process, ensuring businesses and their staff benefit in every way.”
One 1,060 ft² unit is currently available at Cedars Office Park, on Butt Lane, which carries an ‘A’ rated Energy Performance Certificate due to its photovoltaic panels, underground clean air ventilation with heat recovery, underfloor heating supplied by biomass boiler and fuelled by locally sourced woodchip.
Reclaimed materials and modern insulation methods used during the building process also enhance the office’s sustainability.
Pear Tree Office Park, on Desford Lane, has a number of available units, ranging from 880 ft² to 1,871 ft².
The premises have been purposely built to meet BREEAM ‘very good’ standards and carry an ‘A’ rated Energy Performance Certificate.
The site’s eco features include sedum roofs, brise soleil, earth embankments providing additional insulation, natural cross ventilation and underfloor heating supplied by a biomas boiler fuelled by locally grown woodchip.
