Property developers will need more energy assessors on call to issue energy performance certificate assessments when the property market heats up, according to consultant NB Environment.

Jonathan Lovejoy, director of the company, said that the market was not yet making a sales point of good EPC ratings but they were sure to put a premium on rents, as had happened in America already.

“There will be much more work for building services engineers directly with property developers because of the connection between higher rents and energy efficiency,” Lovejoy said. “Property agents would be missing a trick if they didn’t make it central to their sales pitch.”

NB Environment, part of NB Real Estate, develops sustainability policies for investors and corporate occupiers. It has formed an alliance with Arcadis AYH to have CIBSE-accredited assessors at its disposal should there be a shortage of assessors.

“We have no cause to fear a shortage yet, but if we start getting more urgent sales requests, then we’ll have to put pressure on our assessors.

“I’m talking to a number of funds who don’t think this is an issue yet, but I believe it’s coming.”

Lovejoy said a recent US survey by CoStar Group had found that LEED and Energy Star-rated buildings were selling for 27% more per sq ft than those with no rating or poorly rated. Occupancy rates were 92% compared with 87% for less-efficient buildings.

Source

Building Sustainable Design