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COMMERCIAL
PROPERTY
Nick Dawes MRICS,
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IS THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?
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sector has, over the last decade, become
more environmentally aware but mainly
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obligations have been imposed
upon it to improve its energy
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development sector
has had to embrace
what is known
as Code
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code levels are imposed by the planning
authorities on developers via Planning
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new dwellings are to a certain standard,
and over time these standards would
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and these assessments are mandatory for
most buildings. Brussels has an eye to having
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building with heating will be allowed to be
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this base level
higher.
Much of the above came in either before
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building at all over the last seven years, much
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their already long list of economic concerns.
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to some degree, behind us. Commercial
landlords, developers and occupiers are far
more aware of environmental issues. Being
businesses cost savings are a priority. With
ever increasing power costs, cost savings on
heating and lighting are important factors
particularly in factories and warehouses.
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cost of replacing old cladding can be looked
at in terms of heat saving, and therefore,
cost savings for both tenant and landlord.
Many occupiers are looking for more roof
lights in buildings so as to increase natural
light, which saves on electricity whilst
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environment. Rainwater harvesting systems
are now much more common, particularly for
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