Going green (environment and sustainability)

When selling or renting a building, the landlord is required by law to provide an EPC (Environmental Performance Certificate). This will give you clues as to how energy efficient the building is.

Check the energy efficiency of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Get an idea of energy costs from the landlord or if possible, previous tenants.

Is the building BREEAM rated? If so, under which version of BREEAM? Older versions were less stringent and won't guarantee a similar rating of the interior space.

Finding office space with a new air conditioning unit can shave a substantial amount off your final fit out cost. Is the current air conditioning unit of a good enough standard? What would it cost to upgrade or replace? Get a mechanical and electrical survey done.

Easily overlooked, double glazing can shave large amounts off your energy bills as well as reducing external noise.

A factor towards achieving a BREEAM rating, natural light can not only increase productivity amongst your staff, but also reduce your energy costs. Visit the space during different times of the day to assess how light penetrates the office space.

If you can't measure it, you can't manage it. A crucial place to start when monitoring energy consumption, submetering helps you to measure your energy use, identify areas of waste, and manage your future consumption. If not already installed, consider submetering during the fit out stage. It will be cheaper to install during a refit than later on.

Have you considered thermal testing? This can show you how much heat is escaping from the building, which can have an impact on your energy bills.

Is there an energy display for all to see? Footprint trackers allow you to monitor energy floor by floor, meter by meter, enabling you to identify and reduce wastage.