There is a mismatch between what occupiers want and what the market currently offers.
Availability of prime commercial space that boosts employee performance has dropped to historic lows, while demand surges.
Tenant expectations have shifted. Today’s occupiers are looking for high quality space with character, good natural light, strong sustainability credential and environments that enhance wellbeing and productivity.
A retrofit-first approach can deliver a space with character and reduced energy bills.
The most pressing risk for you as a building owners is that buildings rated EPC C–F may not meet future compliance standards, and may be heading toward obsolescence.
Upgrades that typically improve an EPC include air source or ground source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, enhanced insulation, solar photovoltaic panels.
In competitive markets, buildings that reflect your brand values and offer a healthy, sustainable environment will perform better.
You will be aware about how changing energy-performance expectations may affect your ability to lease or sell commercial and residential buildings.
New analysis shows that more than half of central London’s workspace is now at risk of becoming obsolete unless urgent action is taken.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are key and you should prepare for tighter regulations and rising tenant expectations.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grades the energy efficiency of a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
The government has consulted on raising minimum standards but has not yet legislated for a universal minimum EPC B for all commercial property by 2030.
So even if not yet law, the direction of travel is clear, your building will need to perform better.
2026 will be an ideal moment to review your building and prepare a long-term strategy for energy efficiency and retrofit.
If you want help planning a retrofit strategy, get in touch. I would be happy to advise. If you want to see a great example of a retrofit check out our project in central London: https://lnkd.in/egANdSQa
Is your building attracting high paying tenants, or are you struggling to get the yields you need?
Graham Ford
Graham is the founder of GFA, where he leads operations and design.
With over 22 years of experience in residential, academic, institutional, and sports projects, Graham has worked on notable developments like the London 2012 Olympics. Recent projects include Leiths School of Food and Wine, Harrow Masonic Centre, and Reading West Rail Station. His work has earned multiple RIBA awards, including recognition for the Roundhouse Theatre in Camden.
Graham is also the author of The Total Environment Masterplan, and has taught at Cardiff, Nottingham, and Reading Universities, with lectures at several others including Bologna and Manchester University.
