Half of landlords (49%) are reluctant to improve their commercial property’s energy efficiency rating, saying it’s too costly, InfinitSpace research shows.
The same proportion reckon it’s difficult to keep up with energy efficiency standard regulations.
The commercial minimum EPC rating is expected to be raised from E to C by April 2017, and by B by April 20230.
Wybo Wijnbergen, chief executive of infinitSpace, said: “Undoubtedly, office landlords face huge challenges in moving toward a sustainable sector.
“Creating energy-efficient workplaces must be at the heart of any sustainability strategy, particularly over the short term, so it is deeply concerning to see that around half of landlords report challenges with cost, changing regulations, or lack of expertise in making this crucial step.
“Yet, landlords can hardly be blamed for these challenges. With technology, especially green tech, undergoing constant evolution and environmental benchmarks rising all the time, it is no surprise that landlords are struggling to get to grips with sustainability on their own. At the same time, their proactive response in seeking partners provides firm hope for the future of the UK office market.
“By partnering with a flexible workspace provider, landlords can leave the hassle of developing and implementing sustainability policies to the experts, and rest easy knowing that proposals will be presented within budget, all the while helping to boost revenues through the consistent demand for flexible workspaces”.
Most landlords are outsourcing action, as 92% have either already outsourced or plan to outsource the implementation/development of sustainability policy to a third party.
Sam Pickering, executive director of sustainability at incendium (part of The Instant Group), said: “Navigating policy changes and implementing sustainability measures is a significant challenge for the entire commercial real estate sector.
“Operational energy efficiency of our offices is a key contributor to global carbon emissions and implementing sustainability measures is critical to ensuring we reach net zero targets.
“Education and collaboration will be a vital component of improving the energy efficiency of our office stock, much of which runs the risk of becoming obsolete in just a couple of years.
“Working with a third party specialist is a logical step for landlords to take, as they can effectively develop and implement policies.
“Bringing greater transparency into the sector, through increased data sharing, as well as greater clarity on regulations will also help landlords in their efforts to decarbonise.”
