BPF Comment on the Warm Homes Plan

Commenting on the Warm Homes Plan, BPF Assistant Director (sustainability) Rob Wall said:

“At last we have some clarity on the Government’s plans for domestic EPC reform and for new minimum energy efficiency standards for the private rented sector. We still believe a compliance deadline of 2030 for all tenancies is unrealistic, but we welcome the proposed transitional measures and the recognition that more consultation is needed to understand how the new EPC regime will work in practice.
 
“However, the Government’s Warm Homes Plan has left commercial buildings out in the cold. The failure to provide any clarity on future minimum energy efficiency standards for the non-domestic private rented sector will do little to arrest the growing sense that Ministers don't understand or see the case for supporting commercial real estate in its transition to net zero.

"Further delays to clarifying EPC targets for commercial buildings will have a significant impact on investment and the UK’s competitiveness. While clarity on changes for domestic property will be welcome, the absence of a clear strategy to support the decarbonisation of commercial buildings risks undermining the Government's ability to deliver net zero by 2050.”