Key insights

• Proactive Energy Efficiency Measures

  • ⏳ Early action in energy efficiency leads to success.
  • 🔍 Use the National EPC register to verify properties.
  • 🏠 Mortgage companies are starting to consider both running costs and carbon emissions.

• Innovative Heating Solutions

  • 🌡️ High-temperature electric heat pumps can replace traditional boilers, improving energy efficiency.
  • 📲 Smart thermostats like Google Nest offer accurate temperature control via smartphone.
  • 💧 Positive input ventilation units are affordable solutions to combat condensation in small homes.

• Insulation and Sustainability Strategies

  • 🏡 Importance of proper insulation in commercial and domestic buildings to improve EPC ratings.
  • 🧱 Advice against trusting solar panel salesmen for structural calculations, emphasizing the need for independent assessments.
  • 📐 Recommendations for homeowners to insulate lofts effectively and use materials like Rockwool and Celotex.

• Path Towards Net-Zero Carbon Emissions

  • 🔌 Commercial buildings must be all-electric to be deemed net-zero carbon.
  • ☀️ Energy efficiency and renewable electricity tariffs are essential for net-zero status.
  • 💻 Recent updates in EPC software improve ratings for all-electric buildings.

• The Role of EPC Services in Property Value

  • 🛠️ Draft predicted EPC services are crucial before starting refurbishment projects.
  • 🏟️ A case study of a sports pavilion highlights the importance of a good EPC for future business sales.
  • 📞 Proactive communication with clients about their EPC status can lead to new consulting opportunities.

• Adapting to New Standards

  • 📊 New government plans to raise ME standard for domestic rentals to EPC Grade C by 2030.
  • 🤫 Silence on proposed legislation for commercial rentals.
  • 🌿 Opportunity for clients to upgrade energy efficiency when buildings are vacant.

• Impact of Climate Change and Legislation

  • 🌍 Climate change is causing extreme weather conditions, impacting building safety and operations.
  • 📈 Proposed regulations require commercial rentals to have an EPC rating of C by 2027 and B by the end of the decade.
  • 🔥 Fuel poverty impacts over a million households in the UK, forcing inadequate heating solutions.

• Importance of Energy Performance

  • 🏢 Energy performance is crucial for building owners to enhance asset quality.
  • 💰 Improving energy efficiency can save clients money and help avoid legal issues.
  • 🏦 Financial institutions are increasingly demanding buildings to have high EPC ratings for lending.

Q&A

• What should property professionals know about energy upgrades? ⚡

  Property professionals must take proactive measures regarding energy efficiency. This includes utilizing the EPC register for accurate property verifications and being cautious when specifying traditional gas boilers, as these can negatively impact EPC ratings. Innovations like high temperature heat pumps and recycled energy sources are emerging as sustainable alternatives.

• What insulation strategies can improve energy efficiency? 🏡

  Proper insulation is vital for enhancing energy efficiency. Homeowners are advised to insulate lofts effectively using materials such as Rockwool and Celotex. Additionally, external wall insulation can not only improve energy performance but also enhance the aesthetics of a property.

• What innovations are being made for net-zero carbon buildings? 🌱

  To achieve net-zero carbon status, commercial buildings must transition to all-electric systems, utilize energy efficiency measures, and tap into renewable energy sources. Recent updates in EPC software facilitate better ratings for these all-electric buildings, promoting sustainability in the property market.

• How can early EPC assessments impact property value? 📈

  Utilizing draft predicted EPC services before refurbishment projects can significantly enhance property values. Proactive energy assessments showcase the commitment to energy efficiency, which can be a major selling point for future business transactions.

• What steps should landlords take regarding energy efficiency? 🏠

  Landlords are encouraged to start improving their properties' energy efficiency early, especially during periods of vacancy. This can involve integrating energy improvement work into lease renewals to not only comply with regulations but also to potentially increase rental value.

• What regulations are emerging regarding EPC standards? 📈

  Upcoming regulations require that commercial rentals achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2027 and B by 2030. This shift emphasizes the need for landlords to proactively upgrade their properties to meet these evolving standards and enhance their marketability.

• How does fuel poverty relate to energy performance? 💡

  Fuel poverty affects millions of households by limiting their ability to afford adequate heating solutions. Improving energy performance can alleviate these concerns by increasing energy efficiency, thereby reducing energy bills and enhancing overall living conditions.

• What are Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)? 📜

  EPCs are documents that indicate the energy efficiency of a building, providing a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). They were introduced to combat climate change and help reduce carbon emissions. High EPC ratings are increasingly required for financial institutions and are essential for property marketability.

• How does climate change affect energy performance? 🌡️

  Climate change has been causing extreme weather conditions which directly impact building safety and operational efficiency. Buildings with poor energy performance may struggle to adapt to these changes, resulting in higher operational costs and a decreased ability to provide adequate heating or cooling.

• What is the significance of energy performance in buildings? 🌍

  Energy performance is crucial for building owners as it enhances asset quality, ensures compliance with financial and legal standards, and addresses the impact of climate change on global temperatures. Improved energy efficiency can also lead to significant cost savings and can prevent potential legal issues related to energy standards.

• 00:00 Martin Gibbons discusses the dynamic nature of energy performance in buildings and emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency for financial and legal compliance, while highlighting the impact of climate change on global temperatures. 🌍
• 06:44 Fuel poverty affects millions in the UK, leading to inadequate heating solutions, while improving energy performance certificates (EPCs) can significantly boost the marketability of commercial properties. Additionally, upcoming legislation demands higher EPC standards, emphasizing the importance for landlords to adapt and thrive in this changing landscape. 📈
• 13:32 The new government has committed to raising the ME standard for domestic rentals to EPC Grade C by 2030, while there's still uncertainty about commercial regulations. Upgrading commercial properties is easier when vacant, and clients are advised to start improvements ahead of lease renewals to make buildings more energy efficient and potentially increase rental value. 🌿
• 20:17 Utilizing draft predicted EPC services early in building refurbishments can significantly enhance property value and compliance. A case study illustrates this with a sports pavilion refurb leading to a Grade B EPC, showcasing the importance of proactive energy assessments and leveraging the National Database for better client engagement. 📈
• 26:51 The video discusses the evolution of commercial buildings towards net-zero carbon emissions, emphasizing the importance of all-electric systems, energy efficiency, and utilizing renewable energy sources. It highlights recent changes in EPC software that reflect improvements in Britain's renewable energy capabilities, urging property professionals to favor all-electric buildings to enhance energy performance ratings. 🌱
• 33:39 This segment discusses effective insulation strategies for improving energy efficiency in both commercial and domestic buildings, emphasizes the importance of proper installation of solar panels, and provides practical tips for homeowners to enhance insulation while potentially increasing property value. 🏡
• 40:41 Registered social landlords have significantly improved the energy efficiency of their properties, while the private rented sector lags behind. For better heating solutions, consider using high-temperature electric heat pumps, and invest in smart thermostats and temperature monitoring devices for better home management. Low-tech solutions, like positive input ventilation units, can effectively reduce humidity issues in homes.
• 47:41 This segment emphasizes the importance of proactive energy efficiency measures in the property sector, urging professionals to utilize resources such as the EPC register while being cautious about energy upgrades, especially concerning gas boilers. It highlights the evolving demands from mortgage companies regarding energy performance and carbon emissions, and discusses innovative alternatives for reducing carbon footprints in buildings. 🏢