The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 5: Autumn 2017 | Page 30

LANDLORDS: Are you prepared for the new minimum energy efficiency standards? The energy efficiency regulations in the private rented sector for England and Wales are changing from April 2018, making it unlawful to let residential or commercial properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’- the two lowest grades of energy efficiency. The new rules will have very significant implications for landlords and for occupiers who wish to assign or sublet space, as properties will become unmarketable if they are not upgraded to meet the minimum standards. Landlords are being urged to take action now to avoid penalties and protect the value of their assets. Regional insurance company PIB is helping commercial landlords get ready for the new legal changes and has created an innovative package to support them, ensuring energy efficiency whilst keeping the investment as low as possible. Rupert Dixon, director of Renewable Energy at PIB said: “We have a unique insurance package for energy efficiency which covers the shortfall of any anticipated savings from installation of these interventions. We work “Act now, get expert advice, ensure your property investment is energy efficient and compliant.” with a number of funders and specialist contractors who audit properties on our client’s behalf, proposing a range of new measures to improve a property’s EPC rating. Where funding is required, the energy savings can be used to payback the loan (subject to sufficient savings available and funder’s approval), whilst still delivering an overall saving. This is then ‘wrapped’ into an insurance package to protect the asset and maintain the anticipated level of savings. “My best advise would be to act now and get expert Rupert Dickson advice, ensuring your property investment is energy efficient, whilst making sure you are compliant.” Rupert is a member of the Energy Managers Association (EMA), Investor Confidence Project (ICP), Energy Efficiency Finance Initiative Group (EEFIG) (Brussels) and the Energy Services Trade Association (ESTA). He works with owners, funders and developers across the Renewable Energy sector including, wind, solar photovoltaics, Waste to Energy, anaerobic digestion and tidal, providing comprehensive risk management solutions for all installation and operational phases. The South West’s Dynamic Insurance Broker www.pib-insurance.com 0117 926 9937 [email protected] PIB Insurance Brokers is a trading style of Cooke & Mason Plc. Cooke & Mason Plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 308333. Cooke & Mason Plc is registered in England & Wales. Company Registration Number 2682789. Registered Office: Rossington’s Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7SW. 30 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017