ACS urges government to help local shops to improve energy efficiency

By Liz Wells in Industry News 9th June 2021

The Association of Convenience Stores has called on the government to ensure that local shops are supported in the move to meet proposed minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES).

The government is proposing to introduce an increase in MEES to EPC C by 2027 and EPC B by 2030.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy launched a consultation looking at the framework to implement tighter MEES for privately rented non-domestic buildings.

ACS makes a number of recommendations in its response to the consultation including:

Boost investment incentives for businesses.
Extend enhanced capital allowances and the ‘super deduction’ policy beyond 2023 to reflect the proposed MEES timetable.
Produce detailed guidance alongside a flexible standardised calculator to inform retailers clearly about the measures they can take to improve energy performance.
Proceed with time-limited EPC exemptions for shell and core let properties.
Retain legal responsibility for MEES compliance with landlords.
Introduce a new ‘duty to cooperate’ between landlords and tenants.
Require all convenience stores marketed for let or sale to display up-to-date EPC certificates.

ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “Local shops are committed to improving their stores and this includes investing in measures to improve their energy efficiency.

“We urge the government to ensure that convenience stores are supported and provided with guidance ahead of the move to reach EPC C by 2027.”

The consultation was launched following the government’s Clean Growth Strategy committing the government to reducing business energy usage by 20% by 2030.