Commercial landlords can meet the 2031 EPC B target using existing building controls, says the BCIA. Read how optimization impacts trade contractors.
Commercial property landlords facing the government mandate to reach an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B by 2031 may not need to invest immediately in heavy capital retrofits. According to guidance from the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), better utilisation and fine-tuning of existing building control systems offer the most cost-effective path to meeting tighter efficiency standards for non-domestic premises over 10,764 sq ft.
The association highlights that many large commercial properties already possess sophisticated Building Management Systems (BMS) and controls. However, these systems are frequently misconfigured, overridden, or neglected, leading to poor operational efficiency. By re-commissioning existing hardware, updating control strategies, and ensuring systems perform effectively in daily use—rather than just on design paperwork—building owners can secure significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon output without waiting for full equipment overhauls.
For M&E contractors, commercial electricians, and HVAC installers, this focus shifts immediate job opportunities away from wholesale system tear-outs toward maintenance, control upgrades, and re-commissioning. Rather than sourcing entirely new, high-ticket plant machinery, tradespeople should expect increased demand for intelligent sensors, upgraded thermostats, modern actuators, and compatible interface modules stocked at commercial electrical wholesalers. When advising commercial clients, contractors can recommend auditing existing control setups before committing to expensive capital works, positioning themselves as cost-effective problem solvers while securing steady maintenance and retrofitting work.
The BCIA's stance underlines a pragmatic shift in how the commercial sector approaches tightening environmental regulations. Prioritising operational performance over theoretical design scores ensures that buildings achieve actual energy savings. For the wider trade supply chain, demand will remain strong for sub-metering equipment, smart controllers, and field devices that allow legacy systems to integrate with modern energy management software.
Reported by Electrical Times — original article
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