Background
Alduwaliya Asset Management (ADAM) instructed KJ Tait to assess the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of 160 Great Portland Street, London. The existing EPC, rated 'D', would not meet the upcoming energy efficiency regulations of a minimum 'B' rating by 2030.
Proposed Solutions
KJ Tait proposed several interventions to enhance the building's energy efficiency and achieve a higher EPC rating:
Boiler Replacement: transitioning from gas-fired boilers to heat pumps. We investigated where these could be located and the electrical capacity required.
VRF Installation: if the Landlord was to get vacant possession of the building, then replacing the current fan coil units with VRF would represent the best solution for the EPC rating. The advantage of doing this would be each VRF system could be demised to Tenants.
Lighting Replacement: advised upgrading all lighting to LEDs of at least 110lm/W.
Results and Outcomes
Pathway 1
Lighting Upgrade: implementing LED lighting at a cost of £40,000 led to an EPC rating improvement to 'B' with 49 asset rating points.
Pathway 2
Heat Pumps and Lighting Upgrade: installing air source heat pumps alongside LED lighting upgrades, with a total cost of £700,000, achieved an EPC rating of 'B' with 41 asset rating points. Crucially, this pathway would decarbonise the building’s heating system and could be completed with Tenants in situ.
Conclusion
Through a comprehensive assessment and modelling, KJ Tait demonstrated that strategic upgrades could significantly enhance the EPC rating of 160 Great Portland Street. The recommended pathways aligned with future energy efficiency regulations and provided options for achieving a 'B' rated EPC by 2030. The iterative approach proposed by KJ Tait allowed for continuous improvements and ongoing compliance with changing regulations.
By incorporating these recommendations, the building's energy efficiency and environmental sustainability could be greatly improved, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the building's occupants.