Green office benefits: Programs for a maximum cost saving

The latest autumn budget brings updates to green initiatives, maintaining offers for office providers committed to reducing their environmental footprint. From tax breaks for energy-efficient upgrades to grants supporting green certifications and sustainable transport perks, these programs can make going green both financially rewarding and operationally efficient. Here’s what you can do to make your office eco-friendly and economically savvy.

1. Tax Breaks For Eco Upgrades

The government is giving businesses the chance to save on taxes if they invest in energy-saving equipment. That could mean swapping out those buzzing fluorescent lights for LEDs or finally upgrading to a heating and cooling system that doesn’t sound like a jet engine. Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) allow businesses to write off these costs, cutting down their tax bill. Investments in items such as high-efficiency lighting systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and energy-saving controls are all eligible for breaks. For your project to definitely be worthy of a break, however, the changes must come from ‘verified and accredited energy efficient products’ listed on the government's Energy Technology List (ETL), so make sure you have opted for the right requirement before adapting.

Quick Tip: Starting with a simple energy audit can go a long way in deciphering what you may need. Walk around, note the most power-hungry devices, and think about what’s realistically worth upgrading. You’d be surprised how much impact a few lighting changes can make, both on bills and on the overall atmosphere of the space. For deeper context on navigating sustainability challenges and performing audits, see Sustainability in London Office Spaces: The Energy Efficiency Challenge.

2. Green Building Certifications: Badge of Honour (and good for tenant acquisition)

There’s a growing appetite for office spaces with environmental credentials, and green certifications like BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) are the gold standard. The new budget includes funding to help with the necessary assessments and updates. Certification will serve multiple purposes ultimately: making the space more marketable, and show that you’re genuinely invested in creating a better, greener workspace.

Tip for Going Green: Start with small improvements - maybe add water-saving fixtures or improve your waste sorting. Once the easy changes are done, you’ll have a sense of what it will take to get that official stamp of eco-approval. For practical approaches to integrating sustainability into office refurbishments, including waste reduction and carbon tracking, explore Reduced-Waste Fit-Outs: Navigating Regulatory Uncertainty and Building Value for a Greener, Smarter Office Space.

3. Sustainable Transport Perks for Tenants

Office providers can directly benefit from tax breaks and savings on bike facility improvements through these incentives:

ECA: Office providers may be able to write off costs for bike storage racks, lockers, and showers under ECAs if they’re part of broader sustainable building upgrades, offering a 100% first-year tax deduction.

Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS): Installing charging points for e-bikes may qualify for a grant covering up to 75% of installation costs, lowering the expense of adding e-bike facilities.

Business Rates Relief for Green Investments: Whilst reduced in the Autumn 2024 budget businesses can still claim 40% business rates relief (capped at £110,000). Some local councils offer business rates relief for eco-friendly building improvements. Providers adding extensive bike facilities as part of green upgrades may qualify, though criteria vary by area. Contact your local council to quickly find out what transport instillations might make you eligible for the full 40%.

Leveraging such programs improves not only the sustainability credentials of your space but can also enhance operational efficiency and tenant appeal by aligning with wider environmental goals. For how efficient resource management helps office providers excel in sustainability and certification—boosting operational and reputational value—review B Corp for office providers: How efficient resource management can get you across the 80 point mark.

The Next Step

Navigating the application process for Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) funding may seem daunting, but the potential benefits make it worthwhile. Consulting with an energy expert can simplify the process and help identify the most impactful upgrades. By leveraging available funding and investing in energy-efficient technologies, office providers can achieve long-term savings and contribute to a more sustainable future.