Sustainability

Question 1

What are MEES and how do they impact your role?

Answer 1

Are regulations that require privately-rented properties in England and Wales to meet minimum energy performance standards before they can be let or sold.

To reduce energy consumption

As of April 2018, properties with an EPC rating below E cannot be let unless exemptions apply.

Impact on my role:

1. Advising Clients: Must advise landlords on whether their properties meet MEES and, if not, what steps are needed to improve the EPC rating
2. Due Diligence: Before lease renewals or new lettings, I need to ensure the property is MEES compliant or confirm valid exemptions
3. Valuations and Asset Management: Non-compliance could affect the property’s value and marketability, so I include MEES considerations in valuations and asset strategies

Question 2

What is an EPC and what does it contain?

Answer 2

Is a document that provides an energy efficiency rating for a property.

Is rated on a scale from A to G

EPC includes:

1. Current and potential energy efficiency savings
2. Recommendations for improving energy efficiency, such as installing insulation or upgrading heating systems
3. The property’s CO2 emissions and potential cost savings from implementing energy efficiency measures.

Question 3

When is an EPC required?

Answer 3

When properties are built, sold, or let

Required for every building

Question 4

Can you expand on the recommendations you have made to your client regarding the improvement of the energy efficiency rating?

Answer 4

Advised on upgrading lighting to LED’s and double-glazing windows

Question 5

What are the exemptions for having an EPC?

Answer 5

• Places of worship
• Temporary buildings with a planned use of two years or less

Question 6

What are the MEES requirements for 2030?

Answer 6

Minimum of B

Question 7

What is the most commonly used definition of sustainable development?

Answer 7

Brutland Report

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Question 8

What did the UK agree to as part of the Kyoto protocol?

Answer 8

12.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Question 9

What is the aim of the Paris Agreement?

Answer 9

To hold increase in global average temperatures to 2c below pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5c

Question 10

What is the key target of the Climate Change Act?

Answer 10

Originally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050, but now the commitment is to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2050

Question 11

What is the current UK target by 2050?

Answer 11

Carbon neutral

Question 12

When must you display an EPC?

Answer 12

Commercial premises >500 sq m and frequently visited by the public

Question 13

How long is an EPC valid for?

Answer 13

10 years

Question 14

What are the implications of MEES?

Answer 14

Cannot grant a new lease / renewal of lease of F&G rated property by 2018 or have existing leases of F&G rated property by 2023

Question 15

What does BREEAM stand for?

Answer 15

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

Question 16

Should valuers reflect sustainability characteristics in valuations?

Answer 16

Yes - to the extent that informed and well-advised purchaser would account for them