The BBP Responds To The UK Government’s Ambitious Plans To Introduce A New Performance Based Energy Rating Scheme For Commercial Buildings
The BBP welcomes the publication of proposals by BEIS to introduce a national performance-based policy framework for rating the energy and carbon performance of commercial and industrial buildings above 1,000m2 in England & Wales. This is accompanied by a detailed consultation on Introducing Performance-Based Ratings in Commercial and Industrial Offices above 1,000m² in England and Wales.
Sarah Ratcliffe, CEO of the BBP commented: “The Better Buildings Partnership has championed the introduction of mandatory disclosure of the in-use energy performance of commercial buildings for over a decade. We are therefore delighted to see the publication of this consultation. This really could be a game-changer for the UK commercial property sector.
“The consultation makes extensive reference to the industry leading work undertaken by the BBP highlighting the performance gap between design intent and actual performance, evidencing the voluntary participation of BBP members in the Real Estate Environmental Benchmark and endorsing the Design for Performance initiative that led to the launch of the NABERS UK scheme in November last year.
“It is particularly pleasing to see that the policy proposals very closely align with the NABERS UK scheme, clearly stating: ‘The Government supports NABERS UK. It is implementing – at a voluntary level – exactly the kind of performance-based approach that the Government is looking to mandate at a national level.’
“The BBP applauds these aspirational plans to implement a scheme that will provide much needed transparency for commercial property investors, owners and occupiers. This is vital in order to accelerate efforts to improve energy efficiency and drive the UK commercial property sector to decarbonise and deliver on its net zero targets.
“The Government is to be commended on its open and constructive approach to developing this consultation responding to market demand for a scheme that reflects accountabilities for the energy performance of commercial buildings and acknowledges the need for a phased approach tailored to specific building types. The BBP will be working with its members to provide a detailed response to the consultation in due course and looks forward to continued engagement with Government.”
Louise Ellison, Chair of BBP and Head of Sustainability at Hammerson said:
“This consultation is a major step forward for the industry. I would urge everyone to read the documentation and provide constructive feedback to ensure we get a system that works for the sector and supports us in delivering and operating buildings fit for the future.”
