Tightening of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scheme under the Energy Act 2011 is set to drive an increase in investment in energy efficiency, predicts Sabien Technology. Furthermore, those that fail to do so are in danger of failing the new, tougher energy standards, says the company.
These warnings follow the publication of two key reports. The Siemens Green League report notes that nearly 50 per cent of companies plan to invest in energy efficiency projects in the next three years. In parallel, property services company DTZ reports - based on over 1,000 EPC audits in the last year - that many companies could see the value of their property impacted by falling below the EPC 'E' rating, which is expected to be the minimum standard.

Sabien CEO Alan O'Brien commented: 'Companies are continuing to invest in energy efficiency, as the Siemens' report reveals. We are already seeing this, as demand for our M2G energy efficiency technology has increased by over 30% compared to the same period last year.

'The fact that EPCs are about to become law will expose the energy efficiency rating of a commercial building. Any building which does not perform well may impact its sale or rental value, increasing pressures on commercial landlords.'

The Energy Act was passed last year and is set to tighten the minimum requirements for the energy performance of buildings. To enforce this, from 2018 it will become illegal to rent or sell a property that falls below a minimum standard, widely expected to be equivalent to the current EPC 'E' rating.

Another changes is that from April 2012, EPCs will need to be prepared before the property goes on the market, rather than on completion of the sale, as is currently the case.