Meet the Speaker - Andrew Parkin
It's just weeks until the NRLA's UK Housing Conference, with our 'Meet the Speakers' series introducing you to some of the experts you'll hear from on the day. Today we speak to Andrew Parkin, chair of the Property Energy Professionals Association, who will be talking energy efficiency.
Why this session matters
Andrew will be joining fellow property energy expert Anna Moore in the main auditorium for a panel discussion on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
"Some landlords haven't really paid attention to their Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for years," Andrew explains. "But with plans to introduce a minimum C for properties to be legally let, it is starting to be a real concern."
His advice to landlords? "Get your EPC done now. It lasts for ten years, so if you can get a C rating before any regulatory changes come in, you'll have a longer validity period."
He understands why the lack of clarity going forward makes difficult for landlords.
“We need certainty, we need timelines. I don't mind if the timelines get pushed back a little bit, but we need some idea of what the new rules are going to look like and how long landlords are going to be given to comply."
Experience
What makes Andrew's perspective so valuable is his years of experience as an energy assessor. He's not just someone who understands policy, he's spent decades on the ground, helping people with all kinds of different properties improve energy efficiency.
"A good energy assessor can come in and help you sort the wheat from the chaff," he says. "Most of them have been doing it for decades now and will help guide you to the best solution for that particular home, with lots of useful information that can make a real difference."
His advice when it comes to improving energy efficiency is to start with what he describes as the 'low-hanging fruit', starting with things like the type of lighting you are using, then looking at things like insulation, particularly cavity wall insulation, reminding landlords to check whether they might be eligible for funding.
What to expect on November 5
The NRLA’s annual conference is in its fourth year and has gone from strength to strength since the inaugural event in 2022. Former speakers have included then-Housing Secretary Michael Gove, former Dragon’s Den star James Caan CBE and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
This year’s conference will be hosted by the award-winning business journalist Steph McGovern, with speakers including property guru Sarah Beeny.
To secure your place at this year’s UK Housing Conference in Liverpool click here.
More information
For all the latest announcements on speakers, check out our website and follow us on social media.
For sponsorship opportunities click here.
To listen to Andrew being interviewed on the Government's MEES plans on our Listen Up Landlords podcast earlier this year click the link below.
