Sustainability

Question 1

What is the UKs interim target for achieving Net Zero?

Answer 1

Reducing emissions by 78% by 2030.

Question 2

When has the UK committed to achieving Net Zero?

Answer 2

2050

Question 3

How can energy efficiency and carbon reduction be improved through design, construction, use and refurbishment of different types of buildings?

Question 4

How will factors such as design and value change depending on the sustainability characteristics of buildings?

Question 5

When does a commerical building require an EPC?

Answer 5

Any commercial building over 50 sqm
-when it is newly built, sold, or let for a term of more than 6 months (& less than 99 years).
-When it is newly refurbished and heating, air con, or ventilation services are altered, and/ or the building is subject to Building Regulations for Construction

-This includes the sale and lease of Resi buildings

Question 6

Are EPCs required for subletting and assignment?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

What are some examples of when a building has an exemption from having an EPC?

Answer 7

Listed buildings
Buildings with no heating
Religious buildings
Temporary buildings
buildings due for demolition/redevelopment
Resi buildings not occupied for more than 4 months a year

Question 8

What must the front page of an EPC certificate contain?

Answer 8

1) address of property and floor area
2) Epc cert reference number
3) Technical informatin on the property’s energy provision
4)Estimation of energy running costs
5) An energy performance rating from A+ - G
6) benchmarking information

Question 9

How long is an EPC Valid for?

Answer 9

10 years, unless the building is altered

Question 10

Where would you go if you wanted to find EPC for a site?

Answer 10

The EPC register

Question 11

EPC Penalties

Answer 11

Resi - £200 fixed civil for non display on marketing material
Commercial - max 12.5% of RV (between range of £500-£5000

Question 12

When were Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards introduced?

Answer 12

2015

Question 13

What are the current MEES?

Answer 13

In order for a building to be let, from 1st April 2018, it must have a minimum EPC of E.

Question 14

What type of Leases do current MEES apply to?

Answer 14

All residential leases must have an EPC of E from 2020 (new and existing)
and
New leases in commercial. But this will apply to all existing lease in April 2023.

Question 15

When would a building have an exemption from MEES?

Answer 15

Examples include:
If it does not require an EPC (eg a religious building)
Where a tenancy is less than 6 months with no security of tenure

Question 16

What are the penalties for non compliance of MEES?

Question 17

What are the potential changes to MEES in the UK?

Answer 17

By 2027, the minimum EPC will rise from E to C, and then to B by 2030.
THERE ARE MORE

Question 18

What affect will compliance with MEES have on property owners

Answer 18

Large capital costs in order to get older, less energy efficient properties up to standard

Potential loss of income, due to inability to rent their properties that are non compliant.

Particularly with the nature of commercial lease, Landlords will need to be looking to future proof their properties against 2027/2030 changes now.

Question 19

OTHER KEY ENERGY REGULATIONS