The energy efficiency of commercial buildings is becoming an ever more important topic. The impacts of new regulations introduced in the United Kingdom can serve as a useful case study for real estate investors around the world.

Beginning in April 2018 in the United Kingdom, the landlords of the more than 80,000 rental units with energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings of F or G will need to review the opportunities to improve these assets when they are next leased (or by the end of 2023). Currie & Brown undertook research for the Investment Property Forum to identify the costs and savings of energy-efficiency measures in existing buildings. The study considers how landlords can address both the imminent minimum energy-efficiency standards (MEES) regulations and achieve longer-term carbon reduction targets for 2030.

The following sections explain the legislative and other drivers in the United Kingdom, our approach, and the findings of the study.