With a new set of energy efficiency regulations set to be introduced in Scotland later this year, commercial property owners north of the border are being urged to take action in preparation of the pending changes, which are being introduced as part of the Scottish government’s pledge last year to improve the energy efficiency of all of Scotland’s buildings,

With just over three months remaining until new energy efficiency regulations come into play, many property owners in Scotland remain unprepared for the changes, with analysis from property consultancy Tuffin Ferraby Taylor revealing that up to 70% of commercial building owners are yet to complete a required energy efficiency plan. 

The new rules will insist that owners of buildings larger than 1,000sqm – who sell or rent out their property – provide an ‘Action Plan’ laying out measures that will help improve the energy performance of the building and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They will also be required to submit energy improvement data to the Scottish Energy Performance Certificate register.

While property owners still have time to complete the plans before they come into force on 1 September, the consultancy warned that landlords who fail to comply with the regulations could face hefty fines from local authorities.

“It doesn’t happen in hours and weeks – it takes time to assess the building, look at energy output,” Mat Lown, head of sustainability and a partner at Tuffin Ferraby Taylor, told BusinessGreen. “So really what we’re saying to commercial property landlords, the time to act is now.”

“Some 40% of UK carbon emissions come from buildings,” said Lown. “These new regulations from the Scottish government should reduce energy use, emissions and – importantly – running costs for larger, commercial buildings. However, landlords must be pro-active so they don’t fall foul of local authorities.”