Part S: A Burden or an Opportunity for Commercial Projects?

Commercial developments with more than ten parking spaces will now be affected by the new Approved Document for Part S of the Building Regulations. Part S requires these sites to provide a 7kW EV charger, cable routes and space for a charger to be installed in the future for twenty percent of other spaces. This applies to both new developments, and buildings undergoing major renovations.

While these new regulations may seem burdensome, we believe they provide an opportunity for business growth, customer convenience and increased income. Even though doing the bare minimum to comply looks simpler and more economical; installing a single charger and some ductwork as close to the building as possible doesn’t account for the future and ultimately becomes a fruitless expense. Additionally, it misses an exciting opportunity.

Providing your customers with an enhanced EV charging offer could provide a revenue stream and bring extra custom to your business. We work with several EV operators who pay rent or provide profit sharing agreements for those hosting their chargers. Some charge point operators will even install a new power connection and all the required infrastructure entirely at their own cost.

Not only could hosting rapid EV chargers (50kW+) provide an income, but they could also provide a customer base who are spending 30-45 minutes at your site! With the increase in the number of EVs on the road, many drivers are looking to combine a charging break with another reason to visit site. This can be somewhere to rest or eat on a longer journey, or a gym visit or shopping trip more local to home. Increasingly, the provision of chargers will influence consumer decision making, with convenience winning out.

If you have a site in mind, whether a new build or an existing site, please feel free to get in touch with us and we will happily talk you through the possibilities.