Landlords asked to use renewable energy

03/07/2008

Commercial building owners are being called upon to adopt renewable energy sources in their properties to improve their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings.

The government is recommending the use of solar water heating, following on from figures published by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

According to the department, commercial buildings are receiving an average energy rating of C, based on the assessment of 800,000 properties.

In addition to solar water heating, assessors highlight a review of boilers, the introduction of energy-efficient lightings and the use of solar control methods to reduce cooling needs as ways for property owners to increase their energy ratings.

Iain Wright, housing minister, commented: "We have a long way to go, but EPCs are a starting point for businesses to get clear information on how they can save money on their fuel bills and cut carbon emissions too."

He also revealed that buildings are responsible for almost half of the UK's energy consumption and suggested 40 million tonnes of carbon could be saved by 2020 if businesses and the government worked together.

Last week, David Gordon, chief executive of renewable energy firm Windsave, told the BBC that microgeneration could be popular in the UK if red tape around the area was reduced.