Sustainability drivers

The Energy Act 2011 came into force in October 2011 and contains some important legislation to help 3 objectives:

1. to tackle barriers to investment in energy efficiency;
2. to enhance energy security;
3. to enable investment in low carbon energy supplies.

One of the main strands is the requirement that properties (in whole or part) cannot be let with an EPC rating of F or G, which is to come into force on 1 April 2018 and will create a need for surveyors to advise clients on their options. Upgrading and refurbishment work will no doubt be needed to the majority of these buildings that have poor energy performance. It also created the framework for the Green Deal, which as of July 2015 has been removed.

The other main area of interest within the Act for property professionals concerns the private rented sector (PRS). From April 2016, private residential landlords will be unable to refuse a tenant’s reasonable request for consent to energy efficiency improvements, where a financial package such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is available. As the Green Deal has been cancelled, this will have only limited impact.