Reduction in VAT 'could encourage sustainable office refits'

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 23-03-2011

If the VAT for energy-efficient improvements is reduced, this could potentially encourage more companies to refurbish their offices to be more environmentally-friendly.

Gordon Miller, sustainability and communications director of Sustain Worldwide, stated that the take-up levels for implementing energy-saving measures in properties could increase if the VAT was cut.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) yesterday (March 22nd 2011) asked the government to reduce VAT charges on repair and improvement works in its Budget to be announced today.

If this was to happen, it could see more sustainable office fit out projects taking place across the UK.

However, Mr Miller noted that it is "unlikely" that the VAT will be reduced and if it was, it would only encourage more people to make energy-efficient changes if there was more awareness about sustainability.

He added that "little headway" has been made in getting the VAT cut, in spite of the initiative garnering support from a few MPs.

Posted by Ian Johnson