BRE launches NABERS UK Energy for Offices scheme

Following the successful launch of NABERS UK in 2020, which allows building owners to improve their buildings’ energy performance, BRE launched the NABERS UK Energy for Offices scheme in September 2021.

How it helps office building owners

If the UK is to hit its 2050 net-zero targets, the built environment, including office buildings, has a significant role to play.

So, the introduction of the NABERS UK Energy for Offices scheme is good news for:

• Building owners
• Building managers
• Asset managers
• Building occupiers

Why?

Because all of the above now have the opportunity to assess the energy efficiency of their office buildings and make necessary improvements. In doing so, they can provide clear proof of efficiency and sustainability to their investors and customers, which will allow them to gain solid returns on their investment.

How does it differ from EPC’s and the need to comply with MEES?

EPC’s measure the design performance of a building and suggest what optimal performance might look like. Whereas the NABERS UK Energy for Offices scheme measures the actual energy use within the building.

EPC limitations are not an effective way of measuring a building’s energy efficiency — but that doesn’t mean they should be discounted.

Why?

Because EPC’s are needed to help buildings comply with The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) windows in 2023, 2027 and 2030, by which time all buildings will need an EPC B rating. Any continuation of a lease below E after 2023 will be in breach of MEES.

The government are proposing two compliance windows for this:

1st  Window: EPC C – 2025-2027

1st April 2025 – landlords of non-domestic rented buildings within MEES scope must present a valid EPC.

1st April 2027: Unless exempt, non-domestic rented buildings must have been improved to EPC  C.

2nd Window: EPC B – 2028 – 2030

1st April 2028: landlords of non-domestic rented buildings within MEES scope must present a valid EPC.

1st April 2030: Unless exempt, non-domestic rented buildings must have been improved to EPC  C.

And meeting these targets is vital, as they have a significant impact on granting leases and the value of the property.

How the NABERS UK Energy for Offices scheme works.

The NABERS UK Energy for Offices scheme works by rating the performance of the building, including heating, cooling systems, common area lighting and lifts.

Knowing the energy consumption of the building allows owners to:

• Understand which are under their control, so they can make changes
• Inform the occupiers of changes they need to make to reduce emissions
• Give investors and stakeholders clear insight into the building’s energy efficiency

NABERS UK energy ratings are also based on a 6-star system which measures energy use within the premises accurately.

What are the benefits?

There are several benefits for owners and investors who want to implement the NABERS UK Energy for Offices scheme. For starters, those who achieve star ratings between four and six can get higher valuations for their buildings, longer leases and lower vacancies.

Also, having an energy-efficient building reduces running costs, which is attractive to prospective occupiers and investors. If we use NABERS Australia as a benchmark, customers will save, on average, between 30-40% on energy bills over ten years.

Need help understanding NABERS UK?

The NABERS Energy for Offices scheme encourages a design-for-performance approach that helps the UK build more energy-efficient buildings and reach its net-zero targets.

But if you need help understanding what you need to do, Inteb can help.

We help investors, owners and managers assess buildings and set up an action plan to focus on areas where they can:

• Make savings and improvements
• Prioritise by carbon/cost savings
• Gain a good return on investment

In Australia, NABERS covers over 86% of the office market, with the vast majority receiving star ratings of 4.5 and above. And it’s our goal to help the UK reach those targets too.

Make sure your building meets the NABERS criteria.

Let’s get the conversation started – call us now on 0151 601 3476 or email [email protected]