King Charles and Prince William are potentially facing a hefty £10 million bill to upgrade hundreds of rental homes on their estates to meet new energy efficiency standards. By 2030, all rental properties must achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C, a significant increase from the current minimum of E. An investigation revealed that nearly 90% of homes across the Duchy of Cornwall, Duchy of Lancaster, and Sandringham estate currently fall below this threshold.
The financial implications are substantial, with upgrade costs estimated at around £10,000 per property. Failure to comply could result in fines of £30,000 for each non-compliant home still being rented out. This situation is particularly striking given the royal family’s public commitment to environmental causes through initiatives like the King’s Foundation and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize.
The properties in question are predominantly older and often rely on less efficient heating methods such as oil or coal. While newer developments in Dorset and Cornwall meet the proposed standards, the majority of the royal estates lag significantly behind the national average for energy efficiency.
As the royal family grapples with these challenges, campaigners are urging them to lead by example in upgrading their properties. The call for action highlights the broader implications for fuel poverty and environmental responsibility, raising questions about the royal estates’ role in setting standards for landlords across the UK.
Source: GB News
