Insights
21 Feb 2024
As published in Property Week on 21 February 2024
Investors are under growing pressure to ensure assets meet MEES requirements, yet many remain focused on short-term 2027 targets rather than planning for 2030 compliance. Ongoing uncertainty around EPC standards is contributing to this cautious approach, but delaying action risks significant financial exposure.
A key issue is the number of buildings without valid or up-to-date EPC ratings. These should be treated as essential due diligence, not only because they determine lettability, but because the assessment process informs investment decisions on upgrades. Integrating EPC assessments with wider evaluations, such as Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) reports, enables a more strategic, long-term approach to asset management.
Forward planning is critical. Early EPC modelling helps identify the improvements needed to achieve future compliance. A combined EPC and PPM approach allows landlords to align carbon reduction measures with lifecycle replacements, avoiding inefficient “like-for-like” upgrades and supporting more sustainable alternatives.
Data-led PPM schedules provide a comprehensive view of asset performance and future works, helping clients plan expenditure while tracking energy usage and building efficiency. However, future-proofing remains challenging given rapid technological change, requiring consideration of emerging solutions rather than relying solely on current systems.
While predicting regulatory changes is difficult, developing a clear, long-term plan to achieve compliance is both achievable and essential to protecting asset value.
Read the full article in Property Week - https://www.propertyweek.com/insight/play-the-epc-long-game-to-protect-asset-values