The introduction of energy-performance certificates for European buildings is creating new business opportunities, according to Iain Sellers, regional operations director of developer Orco. 'We see potential for additional revenue streams,' he said during a panel discussion at the European conference of the International Council of Shopping Centers in Warsaw. 'For example, as a trader in the green energy we generate on site.'
The introduction of energy-performance certificates for European buildings is creating new business opportunities, according to Iain Sellers, regional operations director of developer Orco. 'We see potential for additional revenue streams,' he said during a panel discussion at the European conference of the International Council of Shopping Centers in Warsaw. 'For example, as a trader in the green energy we generate on site.'
Energy-performance certificates have the potential to transform the property market in the long term, said moderator Kate Medicott, senior researcher at real estate services company DTZ. 'But we need to spread awareness and increase communication between stakeholders,' she added.
Only a handful of the attendees at the conference raised their hands when asked whether they were familiar with the EU's new Energy Performance and Building Directive which was introduced last year. As a result of the new regulation, energy-performance certificates will become mandatory for new commercial buildings from 1 January 2009. New residential units must already comply from 1 January 2008.
'This is totally new for the industry,' said Joachim Ribeiro, head of finance at Sonae Sierra. 'It is worrying that a lot of people are not yet aware of it.'
Energy-performance certificates will provide the industry with a benchmark, said Frank Hoendervangers, European head of corporate social affairs for retailer C&A. ' Energy savings will become a more important factor in the future alongside location and size,' he said. 'Stores with the best ratings will generate the greatest demand.'