We work with our clients to deliver a broad range of ESG, sustainability and net zero carbon advice and support. We offer ESG and NZC strategy, specialist valuations, transaction and project advice, as well as, management and compliance solutions.
Our energy team focus on environmental ratings, renewable asset acquisition and disposal, e-mobility projects, natural capital and carbon sequestration, sustainable tech, benchmarking and reporting.
Complementing our team, we have a broad network of more than 80 experts who advise and support clients on different aspects of their ESG strategies across the real asset lifecycle.
Renewable energy
The Knight Frank Renewable Energy team advises landowners on a diverse range of services, from negotiating leases for renewable energy developments, feasibility studies, and installing on-site solar PV and electric vehicle charge points to the valuation of existing renewable energy.
Renewables have the potential to cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions for both businesses and homeowners. But the sector can be challenging to navigate. It is driven by a complex mix of political, legislative, technical, planning and financial concerns. Our experts help you find the right solutions for your land and property assets.
As we move collectively towards net zero, our renewable consultants are helping clients decarbonise and futureproof their assets, facilitating the green energy transition through the development of low-carbon generation and investment in necessary infrastructure.
Renewable services
- Feasibility studies for renewable energy developments
- Project management of rooftop solar PV on commercial and industrial buildings
- Development management of utility-scale renewable energy projects
- Grid connection applications and appraisals
- Valuations of renewable energy leases and assets
- Negotiation of option and lease on behalf of landowners and developers for solar and wind farms
- Acquisition and disposal of ground lease and operational renewable assets
Electric vehicle charging
The transport sector represents 27% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. With an increasing number of electric vehicles on the road, carbon emissions from the transport sector are set to reduce dramatically. Despite this, the UK largely lacks the infrastructure necessary to support the continued growth of electric vehicle demand. Charge points will become an increasingly important amenity in a landlord’s customer proposition and will be vital to encouraging tenants to renew leases and attract new occupiers. This is of particular relevance to business parks where commuter accessibility by car is vital to their survival. From an occupier perspective, workplace charging allows for greater flexibility and convenience for staff and visitors whilst whilst alleviating range anxiety. Responding to occupiers’ needs demonstrates a receptive and committed landlord, improving tenant-landlord relationships and customer experience.
Our electric vehicle consultant services include:
- Feasibility studies for electric vehicle charger deployment
- Tender and project management for electric vehicle charger installation.
Case study
Knight Frank advises Kennedy Wilson on solar PV projects across five buildings at The Heights, Weybridge
Kennedy Wilson is committed to a wide range of decarbonisation initiatives at this flagship business park asset. The rooftop solar PV will deliver substantial cost and carbon savings through on-site power generation and a healthy return on investment.
The project is forecast to generate over 736,000kWh of electricity in the first year, representing a saving of 142 tons of CO2.
Sam Cookman, Director of Property Management at Kennedy Wilson commented: “More than ever during this period of very high power prices, and alongside the imperative for the property industry to decarbonise, it is important that responsible landlords such as Kennedy Wilson invest in renewable energy projects such as the rooftop solar PV at The Heights, Weybridge. We are very pleased with the project’s results and have plans to take forward similar projects at other properties we own.”
David Goatman, Partner, Head of Energy, Sustainability and Natural Resources at Knight Frank commented: “We are delighted to have advised Kennedy Wilson on this successful project. Solar PV is a proven technology, and these arrays are an important part of the asset’s futureproofing and carbon reduction strategy. The economics for such projects have changed dramatically over the past 12m and are now compelling from both the climate and financial return perspectives.”
Our renewable energy partner
Osprey charging network
Osprey Charging Network has exclusively retained Knight Frank on a nationwide site-finding mandate. These sites will be used to build a network of rapid electric vehicle (EV) charge points in premium locations.
Osprey fund, develop, install, own and operate rapid EV charge points. They are one of the largest, highly rated and fastest growing charging networks in the UK, with substantial institutional investment backing to deploy over 2,000 rapid chargers by 2024.
They have a simple focus: pay-as-you-go and publicly accessible rapid charging, using 75kW to 175kW chargers. Existing partners include investment funds, such as Aberdeen Standard, Quadrant, Ares, Brookfield and London Metric, and occupiers, such as an exclusive partnership with Marston’s and preferred supplier for Shell.
Click here to read about the top 5 reasons to install EV charging points