UK office landlords are implementing, or are about to implement, a host of energy saving measures to make their real estate more sustainable, according to a survey of commercial landlords commissioned by infinitSpace and The Instant Group.
The survey, undertaken by Censuswide, found nearly a third of landlords (31%) have implemented waste management targets, with an additional 64% intending to set targets in the future.
Just over half (55%) of the landlords surveyed said the rise in energy prices had played a significant role in incentivising them to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings.
More than 90% of landlords said they intend to adopt sustainability and energy efficient measures in their buildings over the long term, but the survey identified multiple areas where there was room for improvement.
Less than a quarter of landlords currently have high efficiency/LED lighting (23%), sensor/timer-controlled lighting (23%) and double glazing (24%) in place and just 58% of landlords said they intend to introduce double glazing in the future.
Wybo Wijnbergen, CEO of infinitSpace, said: “From infrastructure upgrades to policy targets, it is highly encouraging to see the vast majority of landlords planning to implement measures to boost the efficiency of their buildings, while many have already done so. Indeed, such changes will be instrumental to their businesses’ continued success as energy costs remain high and regulatory pressures intensify. Not to mention, it signifies an excellent step in the right direction for the sector in terms of reaching ambitious sustainability goals and net-zero targets.
“It is also highly encouraging to see the wide appeal for flex space not only as a commercial opportunity but as a way to maximise space efficiency and provide a green edge. Although many of these measures may appear time-consuming and bear initial upfront costs, landlords should remember that they don’t have to go it alone; flex space operators can oversee the implementation of new and, as this research makes clear, much-wanted energy-efficient measures, streamlining the sustainability agenda.”
Sam Pickering, executive director of sustainability at Incendium (part of the Instant Group), added: “It is positive to see the steps landlords are taking to improve the energy efficiency of their office stock. There are several drivers behind the upgrades being made by landlords, including regulation, environmental concerns and crucially occupier demands.
“Occupiers are increasingly focused on how their office space fits into their overall net zero plans and targets. Without these essential upgrades we will be in a scenario where office space becomes obsolete and unusable from a portfolio strategy perspective that takes sustainability into account.
“Progress is definitely going in the right direction and it is encouraging to see landlords committing to implementing more measures, as well as recognising the vital role flexible workspace can play in improving energy efficiency.”
