Energy efficiency rules change could render most Belfast's offices 'unlettable'

Energy efficiency of buildings is rated on a scale from A to G

The majority of Belfast's offices could be effectively unlettable if energy efficiency rules are brought into line with England and Wales, a property consultancy has warned.

Energy efficiency of buildings is rated on a scale from A to G.

In England and Wales offices must reach at least E standard with a proposal for a minimum B standard by 2030.

CBRE says its research indicates only about 25% of Belfast office space is currently B standard or above.

Its figures are based on an "independent review of the current energy performance certificates of the 52 largest buildings in Belfast".

CBRE NI managing director Brian Lavery said regulatory change is also "inevitable" in Northern Ireland.

Part of Stormont's net zero energy strategy is to set "new and ambitious" energy efficiency standards.

Mr Lavery said that adopting similar policies to England and Wales would have a "seismic" impact.

"With our research indicating only 25% of Belfast's large office buildings are currently rated A or B, property owners and investors are faced with a stark choice: either make substantial investments to bring properties up to speed with requirements or contemplate changing the use of these buildings altogether," he added.

He suggested that owners of older buildings would need to act now or "or risk being left with properties that are unlettable or difficult to market successfully".

When the new standards were introduced for England and Wales, the Centre for Cities think tank estimated that one in eight commercial property units did not meet the regulations.