Sustainability

We are actively involved in the green agenda. We advise clients on the new sustainability and low carbon economy legislation and policy such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, the Climate Change Act 2008, Energy Act 2008 and the imminent Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).

We also closely monitor technological developments for the 'built environment' and tailor our advice to ensure our clients address these issues – whether dealing with a new build or ensuring existing property meets current requirements. We take the lead in drafting for our clients’ requirements, including Green Leases, greening structures for existing leaseholds portfolios and structures for installation of large renewable energy systems. As well as the built environment, we advise landowners in relation to wind farm developments.

We are a member of the Aldersgate Group to help shape the future of the sustainability agenda and we are also a member of the Intellect Data Centres Sub Group which works to address the impact of  new legislation and the sustainability agenda for the data centre industry.

Experience

Sustainability advice for major financial institution
Advising on recent sustainability’ legislation, in particular the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations, and providing guidance for: (i) policy decisions for greening of transaction documentation (in particular green leases and retrospective ‘greening’ documentation); (ii) appointments of Energy Assessors.

Advising on lease structures for installation of ground source energy
Advising on new lease structuring for installation of renewables for Greenfield Energy. This involved giving guidance on the structuring and leasing options/issues for the installation of a major closed loop ground source thermal energy system.

Advising on leasing arrangements for Photo Voltaic Cells
Advising a number of green energy suppliers including structuring advice on leasing arrangements for major installations of Photo Voltaic Cells and thermal energy systems

Advising on CRC implications for data centres
Advising UK banks  on allocating financial and reputational issues arising from CRC legislation in data centre agreements