Commercial Aspects of Energy Assessment

Although the legislation has its roots in the environmental cause, the energy performance of buildings has increasing commercial significance. In the present climate of rising fuel and energy prices, all consumers are becoming more conscious of their fuel consumption and efficiency. Owners and occupiers of commercial buildings will also be seeking to reduce fuel costs, and for purely commercial reasons, we believe that the energy rating of buildings will become an important factor in sales and lettings over the coming years. Apart from the official ‘enforcement’ of Trading Standards, we foresee potential owners and tenants taking a keen interest in energy performance ratings.

In addition, many expect that the CO2 rating of buildings will be used as a basis of ‘green’ taxation in the years to come. The growing database of commercial and domestic energy assessments will provide the means to levy part of the Rates or local taxes on a building’s energy efficiency.

Energy assessment also ties in with the Carbon Reduction Commitment which will affect larger energy users. The control of CO2 emissions required by the CRC will encourage those affected to look to their buildings as part of the improvement in fuel efficiency.

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