Green Deal will force landlords towards energy efficiency
Commercial tenants could soon be using the Green Deal to drive landlords and their investors to be energy savvy, believes Michelle Giles, heat of carbon and energy at IMServe, a major independent energy-management provider. She explains that while the Green Deal is currently optional, by 2016 tenants can request energy-efficiency improvement, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse and can result in a fine for non-compliance.
Michelle Giles says, ‘There does need to be a shift in attitude amongst landlords. In the current economic climate, would-be tenants will naturally be drawn to an alternative rental if the landlord has proactively refurbished their commercial property to address energy efficiency.
‘Energy-savvy landlords are not just those that look into the Green Deal, but look for a solution that is right for them, their building stock, their clients and their return on investment. In just three years’ time, tenants can request energy-efficiency improvements, and landlords will have to oblige. Therefore it is imperative to start working towards this goal.’
