NEWS | DIGEST Changes to MEES threaten thousands of commercial buildings Nearly a tenth of inner Londons stock of commercial buildings could be unlawful to let from next month, according to new figures. An analysis of inner London data from the governments non-domestic EPC register, conducted by BNP Paribas Real Estate, shows that nearly 8% commercial stock is Grade F and G, meaning that it could be unlawful to let from April 2023. A further 43% could, under proposed changes to MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard) regulation, be unlawful to let from April 2027 because it is Grade D and E. This means that more than half of inner Londons total commercial stock could be barred from letting from April 2027 (Grades D, E, F & G). A further 26% or so is rated C and could therefore be unlawful to let from April 2030. Only 23% of inner London commercial stock is rated A+, A, or B and currently fully MEES-compliant, according to current legislation. Replace EPCs and update SAP for homes, says report Future Homes Hub report calls for heat pump competency schemes Government should update the SAP system for assessing and comparing the energy rating of residential dwellings ahead of the planned 2025 introduction of its Future Homes Standard (FHS), according to a wideranging new report. The Future Homes Hub has released its Ready for Zero report, which brings together evidence from across the industry to help inform development of the FHS for new homes in England. The report outlines 26 recommendations. These include early provision of a stable and consistent version of SAP11 at least six months before FHS comes into force in 2025. Authors of the report say delays to SAP 10, following 2021s update of building regulation, have caused major issues to the sector. REGISTER FREE TO JOIN OUR LIVE WEBINAR 18th April 14:00 (BST) How to streamline MEP design workflow with accurate calculations assured by CIBSEs software verification assessment programme bit.ly/CIBSETRIMBLE Brought to you by: SCAN ME 8 April 2023 www.cibsejournal.com The report also recommends the introduction of a Home Energy Performance Calculator Supplement or the replacement of the Energy Performance Certificate with a web calculator, using SAP11, to give householders personalised projections of expected energy bills for new and existing homes. It goes on to say that once further consultation on the FHS has concluded expected to be in later this spring key decisions should be rapidly announced and in sufficient detail and clarity to enable the industry to confidently plan and prepare. The report recommends the formation of interest groups on airtightness, heat pumps, energy and ventilation, and the establishment and enforcement of competency schemes for design and installation. In addition, new design standards should be developed for heat pump systems. The energy rating system must be updated ahead of the planned Future Homes Standard, says a report Government announces heat pump training grant The government is offering 5m worth of heat pump training grants. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced that the new grant will support 10,000 trainees over the next two years. The 500 Heat Training Grant will cover most of the cost of a Level 3 heat pump maintenance and installation course, which takes around a week for an experienced installer to complete. In addition, heating manufacturers including Baxi, NIBE, Panasonic, Vaillant, Ideal Heating and Worcester-Bosch are expected to offer additional discounts to participating trainees. These benefits could be worth up to a further 500 in product vouchers, additional training and other support. Trainees must demonstrate competence in the sizing and selecting of low-temperature heating systems to receive the grant. They will typically also have an existing Level 2 or 3 qualification in plumbing or heating engineering. The grant is part of a package worth more than 14m designed to accelerate the installation of heat pumps across the country.