Midlands Business Insider (Aug 2009 issue)
Sustainability may have become a buzzword when talking about Commercial Property, but those actually working in the
sector have mixed views on the real impact of going green.
Patrick Wood, Partner and Head of Commercial Property at Fraser Brown Solicitors, said, "It is still unclear as
to whether EPCs are bringing the benefits that were expected. They certainly do not seem to be a priority for people.
"We often find that the certificates are still not in place when we come to handle the lease or sale of premises – despite there being a legal requirement to implement them before the building is even marketed.
"The buyers are more often than not the ones pushing for the EPC to ensure there is already one in place, so when it comes to resale they will not have to stand the cost, but even then they are low priority.
"As far as we have seen, the actual content of the EPC does not appear to have any significant influence on the
attractiveness of a building for sale or lease. While this is likely to change in the future as energy costs increase, it will continue to be the cost savings associated with energy performance, rather than the carbon savings, that are the deciding factor."
For further information please contact Kate Downs or Isabel Jones at Eden PR on 0115 852 4717 or email
kate@edenpr.co.uk or isabel@edenpr.co.uk.
Fraser Brown is a dynamic law practice working at premises in Nottinghamshire through its branches in Nottingham, Radcliffe on Trent and Bingham.
Its philosophy is to deliver superior legal advice through a personal and highly professional service for both commercial and private clients. Since 1990, Fraser Brown has acquired eight established and respected local firms as part of its major growth strategy for doing business in the 21st Century.
Fraser Brown is one of the region's longest established firms of solicitors. Over the last 12 months, it has experienced significant growth in areas such as property, contract work, construction and general litigation.