Commercial property owners in Scotland are unprepared for new energy efficiency regulations, according to Tuffin Ferraby Taylor (“TFT”), independent property and construction consultancy in Edinburgh.
From 1 September 2016, owners of buildings greater than 1,000 sq m will be required to provide an Action Plan when they sell or rent out their property or part thereof. They will also be required to ensure that energy improvement data, including the Action Plan and Energy Performance Certificate, are submitted to the Scottish EPC Register.
Analysis by Tuffin Ferraby Taylor has highlighted that somewhere in the region of 70 per cent of commercial property owners are yet to prepare Action Plans, in accordance with the new regulations, containing measures that will improve the energy performance of the building and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Mat Lown, Partner and Head of Sustainability, Tuffin Ferraby Taylor, advising on these forthcoming changes, said:
“Forty per cent 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. If they don’t act on these new energy regulations, they could begin to rack up significant fines.
He goes on: “We believe the regulations offer an enlightened approach to energy performance by making relevant compliance information publicly available and recognising that such regulation is an essential part of implementing Scotland’s energy efficiency programme over the next 20 years. Critically, Scotland also acknowledges that energy efficiency is a National Infrastructure Priority.”