The UK is slowly getting closer to its goal of net-zero by 2050, and the commercial property sector is going through a big change. One of the most important parts of this change is that by 2030, all privately rented buildings that aren't homes must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least B. At first glance, this may seem like a problem with following the rules, but smart landlords see it as a chance to get ahead in a market that is changing quickly.
As tenant expectations change, businesses are putting more and more emphasis on sustainability to meet their corporate responsibility and core operational values. A lot of people now have Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rules that affect where they work. Because of this, buildings that use less energy are no longer a luxury; they are a need. These tenants like properties that meet or exceed EPC B standards because they cost less to run and are clearly in line with their goals for sustainability.
Because of this change in demand, rental prices are already going up. Research shows that green buildings can charge more for rent and have fewer empty units than buildings that use more energy. Landlords can improve their properties' value by making EPC upgrades now. This will bring in good tenants and make sure that the income stays steady over time.
In addition to rental income, there is also the issue of asset value. Buildings with low EPC ratings could become stranded assets that are hard to rent, finance, or sell as rules get stricter and people's tastes change. More and more, investors are looking at how well a property uses energy when they decide how much to pay for it. If a property doesn't meet certain standards, it may lose value and be harder to sell. When you upgrade to EPC B, you need to do more than just follow the rules. You also need to protect your investment and make it worth more over time.
The good news is that getting to EPC B can be smart and cheap at the same time. LED lights, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and smart building controls are just a few examples of upgrades that save energy and cut costs on operations. Putting money into sustainability is a smart financial move because it can lower your energy and maintenance costs, which can raise your net operating income.
Landlords have a rare chance to be leaders instead of followers right now. You can avoid the inflationary pressures that are likely to happen as the 2030 deadline approaches, get funding and incentives that are available, and set up your property portfolio for long-term success by acting early.
We're here to help you get through that change. We have a full, all-in-one solution that includes everything your building needs, from EPC assessments and decarbonisation surveys to engineering design and project management for retrofitting.
Set up your carbon reduction survey right away and start using compliance to get ahead of the competition.
Tel: 01925 551516
Referencing
Duncan, R. and Finniear, A. (2023) What impact will new minimum EPC requirements have? RICS Property Journal. Available at: https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/journals/property-journal/epc-requirements-commercial-property.html (Accessed: 18 June 2025).
HM Treasury (2025) Green Book Review 2025: Findings and actions. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-book-review-2025-findings-and-actions (Accessed: 18 June 2025).
CBRE UK (n.d.) Could changes to EPC calculations save landlords money? CBRE. Available at: https://www.cbre.co.uk/insights/articles/could-changes-to-epc-calculations-save-landlords-money (Accessed: 18 June 2025).
