How can social sustainability be improved in the built environment?
Ensuring buildings are accessible and welcoming for all to use. E.g. complying with Equality Act 2010
How can environment sustainability of the built environment be improved?
Upgrade building technology to reduce operational energy use. Smart heating system for example.
How can economic sustainability of the built environment be improved?
Deliver buildings via green construction to high BREEAM spec to ensure value longevity and future proofing
Please can you explain to me what MEES is?
Regulations regarding energy efficiency - commercial property must have EPC E
Are there any scenarios where a property wouldn’t need an EPC E?
- listed buildings
- tenancy less than 6 months
- infeasible for a landlord to make improvements above an E (payback rule)
- 3rd party consent refused
How long does an EPC last?
10 years
When is an EPC required?
- usable floor area is 50 sq m +
- newly built, sold, or let for a term of 6 months+ (and less than 99 yrs)
- recently refurbished (heating, AC, building regs required)
- required for subletting/assignment
What are the EPC requirements for marketing?
- EPC E
- if no EPC, commission within 7 days of launching and procure within 28 days
- Only rating needs to be displayed
- Online marketing must have link to EPC
Which buildings are exempt from EPCs?
- listed buildings
- buildings with no heating
- religious buildings
- temp buildings
- buildings due to be demolished
What the front of an EPC must contain
- Address
- Floor Area
- EPC reference number
- Information on energy provision
- Estimation of running cost
- Rating
- Benchmarking info
What is the penalty for agents non-compliance with EPC on marketing material?
Commercial - 12.5% RV with £500-£5000 cap
What is biodiversity net gain?
A way to contribute to improving the environment through development
What are the potential changes to MEES?
Proposed EPC B for all tenancies by 2030
What are some barriers to sustainability found in the RICS Sustainability Report 2024?
- perceived high cost of sustainable building
- skill shortage
- lack of awareness
Penalty for non-compliance with MEES?
Breach lasting less than 3 months:
- greater of £5k or 10% RV (max £50k)
Breach lasting more than 3 months:
- greater of £10k or 20% RV (max £150k)
