Sustainability Flashcards
When are LL’s exempt from complying with MEES?
- All cost effective energy efficiency improvements have been carried out
- Consent to undertake works is refused by third party EG Local Authority or current tenant
- Experts provide written advice that improvement would devalue property by 5% or more or works could damage property
What is the penalty for not complying with MEES when should be?
- £5,000 - £50,000 (10% of RV) for properties with less than 3 month rental
- £10,000 - £150,000 (20% of RV) for properties with more than 3 month rental
Where does MEES not apply?
Leases of 6 months or less, or 99 years or more
What is sustainability?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
What does MEES stand for and what does it set out?
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards:
Unlawful to let properties with EPC of F or G from April 2018 onwards. Any new tenancies must be an E rating.
From 1 April 2023, all non-domestic properties must have an EPC rating of E or above. The new minimum EPC requirement will therefore apply to any existing leases, not just new ones.
What buildings do not require EPC?
Religious buildings
Buildings with no heat
Listed Buildings
Redevelopment /demolished
What is net zero?
A balance where carbon emitted into atmosphere equals carbon removed from atmosphere
UK target is to reach this by 2050
Examples of sustainable design features?
PV panels, heat pumps, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and recycling, EV Charging Points, IBOS
What are the implications for LLs?
Some properties will be illegal to let unless they are upgraded
Valuations will be affected and marketability will be diminished
Rent reviews could be affected
Implications for dilapidations may come about
What is the latest amendment of Climate Change Act 2008?
Government commitment to cut UK CO2 emissions by 80% and to achieve net zero carbon levels by 2050
What does BREEAM stand for?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
How does BREEAM work?
Undertaken by independent licenced assessors, and evaluates categories (EG energy, water use, pollution etc) and then rates building and provides certification (Pass, Good, excellent, outstanding.
What are advantages of BREEAM?
Increases asset value, reduces operating costs and good for marketing!
BREEAM rated buildings achieve 20% premium on rented/sales prices
How can people / businesses be more sustainable?
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Travel smarter - avoid airplans
Limit plastic consumption - has huge impact on environment
Who do Heat Network Regulations apply to?
Any ‘heat supplier’
This could be a Landlord if there is communal heating IE
There is distribution of thermal energy (heat, steam, hot water, chilled liquids)
Thermal energy is used to provide hot water, heating or cooling
Building is occupied by more than one customer
Landlord apportions the bills
