The push to decarbonise and achieve energy efficiency from real estate is having an ever-increasing impact on all parts of the property sector. Whilst it is accepted that the sector is making big strides in taking action, it is also noted that in some parts the pace of change is slow. To quicken this pace the UK government has been exerting significant pressure on landlords and developers to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) targets. How is this faring? 

Whilst the commercial EPC targets remain in place, a degree of uncertainty has emerged around these targets following the prime minister’s September 2023 speech on the government’s vision for meeting the UK’s net zero goals. As Sunak’s speech turned to property, residential landlords no doubt breathed a sigh of relief as the prime minister announced plans to relax/scrap its deadlines in relation to heat pump implementation and the meeting of EPC targets. However, there was a curious absence from this part of the discussion; the commercial real estate sector. Given the prime minister’s allusion to EPCs was entirely confined to the residential market, there has since been doubt as to where this leaves the government’s approach to commercial property, and in turn, how the sector will respond.