Following on from last years implenetation of the residential Energy Performance Certificate there is now a commercial variant which is required for all building built, let or sold over 10,000 sq m. In October 2009 this is to be phased into all commercial buildings. With this change in energy compliance efficiency compliance there will be undoubtedly inherent duties to be faced by landlords to their beneficiaries with company directors needing to conform to section 172 of the Companies Act relating to ‘the impact of the company’s operation on the community and environment’.

To the landlord there will be added benefits of maintining high end rents if the building and services provision is less onerous on the tenant as result of legislation or running costs. This change has seen a increased role for an industry wide green lease code for landlords and tenants. The code which has been established by the Buildings Research Establishment requires residential developers to provide evidence that target credits are being achieved to increase overall improvement in all categories. The basis for a green lease can be built on many of these clauses:-

1. Rent incentives for reduction in overall energy consumption.

2. General building specification, fabric and performance.

3. Building service and plant.

4. Tenant help with waste recycling and energy consumptiion.

5. Commitment to waste recycling.

6. Green travel arrangements to reduce CO² emissions.

7. Utilisation of Seasonal food and fair trade food.

8. Use of renewable energy and microgeneration.