Energy Efficiency for Commercial Leaseholders | Glaze & Save

Leasing commercial premises has many advantages, from giving you better control over your monthly outgoings, to allowing you the freedom to move premises as your business grows. However, obtaining the energy efficiency measures you need may require the approval of your landlord, so we’ve taken a look at the sort of measures your landlord is required to provide, along with demountable, removable and transferable energy efficiency measures that you can take with you wherever you go.

What does my landlord need to do?

The UK Government introduced a variety of energy efficiency responsibilities for commercial landlords, namely the introduction of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for landlords of commercial privately rented property.

There is some time to get buildings up to scratch. From 1 April 2018, a landlord of a commercial private rented property will not be able to grant a new tenancy of their property if the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has a rating below E. The government has estimated that almost 20% of office premises do not meet these minimum requirements. a landlord of a commercial private rented property will not lawfully be able to grant a new tenancy of a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of below E (unless an exemption applies). The Government estimates that at present, nearly 20% of office premises do not achieve an E rating. Existing leases must comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards by the 1st of April 2023. Landlords who fail to comply will be subject to a fine.

Landlords will therefore be most likely to invest in new energy efficiency measures prior to the commencement of a new tenancy. In order to make the biggest impact, and potentially access funding, the likelihood is that the recommended measures suggested in the EPC would be those most likely to be carried out. This includes measures such as roof and wall insulation, draught proofing, the installation of central time heating and lighting controls, and boiler replacement.

Temporary, removable and demountable measures

Of course, it may be so that in the interim period you want to make your tenancy as energy efficient as possible, particularly if you are responsible for the utilities as a commercial tenant. So what temporary or removable measures can you add to your rented commercial premises?

1. Insulating Blinds

Insulating blinds and shades can save you money on your electric bill. Cellular (honeycomb) shades are your best bet for efficient window treatments, with triple-cell shades being the ultimate in insulated shades. Drapes, shutters, and exterior shades also make for great insulated window treatments.

2. Magnetic Secondary Glazing

A magnetic secondary glazing system such as InvisiTherm is completely removable in the event that you want to leave your current premises for pastures new. This innovative and unique bespoke secondary glazing system is applied either directly to your window frame using TESA adhesive, or on top of a hardwood bead which is installed using tiny pins which leave virtually no mark when removed and are easily concealed with wood filler or a coat of paint. InvisiTherm can reduce energy costs by 22.5% and has a compelling payback time for commercial premises.

3. Radiator Foils

Cheap, cheerful and simple to apply, radiator foils are a simple addition to your workplace that can travel with you to subsequent premises. Using radiator foils can reflect up to 95% of heat that would otherwise absorbed by the wall.

4. Energy Efficient Computers and Office Equipment

Power management is important in any energy saving plan, particularly given that computers are in use for many hours and day, often by multiple people. Make sure that you purchase energy efficient computing products rated A+ and above with low power sleep modes which are activated after a designed period of inactivity. You can also invest in “smart chargers” which turn themselves off after a designated time.

5. Window Films

Window films such as Glaze & Save InvisiFilm are easily applied to windows, and easily removed, and can provide a variety of different benefits such as heat rejection, solar glare properties and privacy, providing a great way to save money on heating or cooling your workplace, especially if the windows are large.

Glaze & Save are bespoke magnetic secondary glazing, draught proofing and window film experts based in Perth, UK. We provide energy efficient, innovative products to domestic and commercial customers. Call now on 01783 562 068 to book your free no obligation survey, or email info@glazeandsave.co.uk for more information.