Going Green - 13.07.2012

It’s only two years since the EU drew up the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive for companies, but has this piece of eco-legislature already run out of steam?

Here at Search Office Space we are proud to promote eco-expansion, and the nature of commercial properties brokering helps us to keep our clients informed about rapidly growing interest in offices awarded the top rated Energy Performance Certificate.

New-builds appear to be heralding a sea change in attitude towards carbon consciousness, with over two thirds of commercial property currently under construction receiving top marks for the reduction of emissions. This figure includes the recent spate of high-rise corporate centres such as: ‘The Shard’, 122 Leadenhall Street, ‘The Walkie-Talkie’ on Fenchurch Street and ‘The Pinnacle’ at Bishopsgate, who are set to receive a BREEAM energy rating of ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’; no mean feat when applied to a 200m high tube of glass.

However, ensuring your business is working towards a more sustainable environmental model has always had a touch of the high-wire act about it. On the one hand, lower utility costs and carbon credit trading stand to reduce the costs of overheads for those who play by the rules. On the other, the initial investment in time and man hours can be disruptive to staff and services.

Therefore, if the thought of migrating herds of tradesmen and dangling live-wires doesn’t cut it for your staff or cliental, it may be the opportune time to change your office space and move towards an economically and morally cheaper future.

A few sure fire signs that your office is carbon efficient:

• Is it properly insulated?
• Is it double glazed?
• Is there a draught?
• Is the heating system efficient?
• Are electrical goods ‘Energy Saving Recommended’?