The number of rented commercial buildings turning to window film in order to make energy savings is growing, however, when you discover that these kinds of properties are racing to meet a deadline of April 2018 to meet new energy standards, you might understand why.
However, according to new figures revealed by Business Green, 115,000 of these buildings in England and Wales, almost 20 per cent, do not meet the new energy standards of a minimum E rating yet.
The deadline, called the minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES), was introduced in 2015 as part of the Energy Act 2011. Buildings have an energy rating of between A and G, with F and G the worst ratings. MEES means that any private building which does not achieve at least an E rating cannot be rented out legally speaking.
From the 1st April 2018, landlords of these buildings will not be able to renew tenancies on those which fail to meet the standards.
However, there are exemptions to the rule - including industrial, low energy and some non-residential sites, as well as other special circumstances.
‘The Golden Rule’ of exemptions is that relevant energy efficiency upgrades wouldn’t recoup money through energy savings within seven years. If changes would devalue a building by five per cent, your building may also be exempt and if a superior landlord, tenant or high power refuses to let you do so, this could also be registered for consideration as an exception.
The exemption register is now live, and exemptions are only valid for five years.
