We all know the value of living an eco-friendly lifestyle, and recycling is now at the top of most household agendas – but what about the energy efficiency of our homes and places of work? With climate change becoming an ever-increasing concern, the government has decided to bring in the ‘Green Deal’ – a policy designed purely to improve the way both domestic and commercial property performs with regard to the impact it has on the environment.
Householders will be able to spend up to £10,000 making their homes more energy efficient, while commercial property landlords will be expected to enter into the same agreement. Climate change minister, Greg Barker, cited the deal as being ‘the biggest home improvement programme since the Second World War’ and plans to include well-known brands such as Marks and Spencer, Tesco and B&Q in the marketing of the deal.
So what incentives are there for commercial property owners to enter into the agreement? The main advantage is obviously that an eco-friendly commercial property would save the landlord a vast amount of money on energy costs and, with these prices expected to double by 2020, it’s an offer that can’t really be refused. The second point to consider is simply that, when making business and lifestyle choices, people are more frequently turning to those options that offer an element of the environmentally friendly and eco-conscious – a commercial property or domestic landlord who is seen to be proactive with regards to energy efficiency will undoubtedly win a boost to their reputation within the local community.
The communications director of Sustain Worldwide, Gordon Miller, has been quoted as saying that companies should do everything they possibly can to get involved with the Green Deal, and that an effective promotional campaign would inspire people to consider using more sustainable methods in their everyday activities – something which would only help to improve the energy efficiency of commercial property throughout the UK.
