Enforced Energy efficiency upgrades generate opportunity in rental sector

With little more than a year to go before strict new laws governing the energy efficiency of rental properties come into force, Emplas is highlighting significant new opportunities for installers.  Under the legislation any residential property rented after 1^st April next year will need to achieve a minimum ‘E’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. It means that residential landlords have between now and this time next year to bring the thermal efficiency of their properties up to scratch or be banned from agreeing new rentals.  Hefty fines for agreeing new rental agreements on properties which fall short of the minimum standard, after the law comes into force are also in place. 

John Leary, Sales and Marketing Director, Emplas said: “Much of our housing stock was built in the pre-war period and is notoriously ‘leaky’. What’s equally significant is that around 75 per cent of the residential properties that will be occupied in 2050, already exist. “This makes improving the energy efficiency of our existing housing stock key. With rental properties among some of the least energy efficient, the new legislation on their energy efficiency is no less important. That’s why the Government is taking it so seriously and why approaching local landlords and landlord associations, represents such a significant opportunity for installers.”

As an added incentive to landlords to improve the thermal performance of their properties, the same regulations will come into force on those tenancies agreed before 1^st April 2018 by the 1^st April 2020. Anyone who breeches the regulation will face a civil penalty of up to £4,000. Manufacturing one of the UK’s most energy efficient systems, Emplas is well placed to support customers in accessing this potentially highly lucrative market. 

Optima, launched by Profile 22 last year, features a six chamber outer-frame and five chamber sash. This means that the 70mm system achieves U-values as low as 0.9W/m²K and an A⁺⁺ WER. With 24-44mm beading. Improved sealing with a 10mm cover, a 35 per-cent increase in hardware retention through local thickening, plus a wider colour and foil offer, give the system strong credentials in a retail environment. The Profile 22 Optima flush casement option is proving particularly popular for period properties where the Energy Performance Rating is normally lowest. “This legislation is less ‘carrot’ and much more ‘stick’, said Leary. “There’s a real incentive now to landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their residential property portfolios and for installers, that represents a very tangible opportunity this year”, he concluded.