Landlords are being targeted in the latest campaign to raise awareness of sustainability issues across the commercial property sector.
Specialists from Colliers International’s Bristol office have thrown their weight behind a multi-partner collaboration aimed at improving the sustainability of industrial, retail and office premises.
Colliers has partnered with thirteen other leading UK companies that form the Better Buildings Partnership – and has helped develop a toolkit to bring landlords up to date on sustainability issues.
Investment Property Management head Mike Bull said: “As agents we have a big role to play in promoting a more sustainable building environment across the commercial property sector.
“We should be making it as easy as possible for landlords and occupiers in our buildings to be as sustainable as they can be.
“The toolkit supports agents in their critical role in the day to day management of buildings and in the development of longer term strategies for a building’s future.”
He went on: “Whilst there is little evidence yet that sustainable buildings enhance value outside of a very niche submarket, the twin drivers of rising energy costs and looming government legislation means the property industry recognises it has lots to do to ensure that buildings remain attractive to cost-sensitive tenants.
“There is no doubt that inefficient buildings will cost both landlords and tenants more in the future and we need to act now to manage that challenge.”
The toolkit can be used by agents to improve their knowledge and delivery of sustainability opportunities and includes advice for landlords on the various building sustainability ratings, a breakdown on technical terminology, energy saving initiatives along with an assessment of the impact on total occupancy costs.
Mike Bull said: “There is an increasing demand for environmental sustainability across the entire industry. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword – it is a priority.
“Agents bridge the gap between landlords and tenants – a change of mindset is needed so agents work alongside occupiers and landlords to maximise the sustainability of the buildings they are responsible for. This could be as straightforward as helping them find greener ways to get to work or as challenging as considering an overhaul of major M&E equipment in the building.
“Newly built, modern and environmentally sympathetic properties have been constructed with sustainability in mind but older stock could end up being branded as obsolescent – particularly with the Energy Act and the Green Deal taken into account.
“With agents increasingly being expected to advise their clients on sustainability features and legislation, the Better Buildings Partnership aims to provide agents with clear and concise information on sustainability issues together with the pros and cons of a comprehensive range of building elements, helping owners and occupiers to understand the benefits to be realised from greener buildings.”
