Every business has legal obligations that it must fulfill, aimed at reducing its impacts on the environment. For most businesses the requirements are relatively simple and straight forward. Here we provide a summary of key pieces of environmental legislation which may affect your business.
If you would like to discuss your organisation’s specific environmental obligations, please contact a Carbon Charter advisor.
Energy
The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations aim to reduce emissions from the built environment and require all buildings (domestic and non-domestic) to have an energy performance certificate (EPC) when constructed, sold, or let. Buildings are rated from A to G, with A representing a very efficient building and G, a very inefficient building.
The Regulations also require:
- Larger buildings occupied by a public authority where the building is frequently visited by the public must display an energy certificate; in England and Wales this is a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)
- All air-conditioning systems over 12kW must be regularly inspected by an energy assessor and given an Air-Conditioning Inspections Report (ACIR).
Where to look for more information: www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-performance-of-buildings-certificates-notes-and-definitions
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) works alongside the Energy Performance Regulations (above) by encouraging landlords and property owners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. It works by placing a restriction on the granting and continuation of existing tenancies where the property has an Energy Performance Certificate Rating below the standard.
The current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Rating is E or above, and is expected to become more stringent over time. The Government’s preferred trajectory is that all non-domestic privately rented buildings achieve a minimum energy efficiency standard of EPC B by 1 April 2030.
For non-domestic rented properties, a landlord must not grant a new tenancy (including a renewal tenancy) of a property after 1 April 2018 or continue to let any property after 1 April 2023 where the property has an EPC Rating of F or G.
Where to find more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance