TM44 Inspections: How One Case Study Achieved a 74% Energy Reduction
The UK's Energy Performance of Buildings regime is currently under review. The government is placing a much stronger focus on net zero targets. It also aims to improve how building energy data is recorded and used.
TM44 inspection requirements have been a familiar part of commercial building compliance for many years. They help ensure air conditioning systems are operational, safe and appropriately maintained.
In 2025, the government consulted on changes that could reshape the TM44 report. The proposals aim to make inspections more data-driven and focused on future performance.
Our own case study demonstrates the value of acting on TM44 recommendations. Some buildings that fully implemented survey recommendations have achieved an energy reduction of upto 74%. This highlights the significant and often underestimated strategic value of this assessment.
What Are the Proposed TM44 Changes?
The government has outlined several key proposals:
- Inspections will become more data-led. Building owners will be able to track system performance across portfolios rather than viewing reports in isolation.
- The updated survey will place greater focus on efficiency, system sizing and whether maintenance schedules reflect how buildings are actually used.
- Stronger enforcement and more regular reporting will give TM44 data a bigger role in energy planning, going beyond minimum compliance.
What Does the Proposed Report Redesign Mean for Building Owners?
The most significant proposed change involves centralising inspection data within a national register. Building owners and facilities managers will track performance more easily across large or complex property portfolios.
The redesigned inspection will also emphasise projected or 'likely' efficiency. This gives clearer insights into how systems should perform under normal operating conditions. Assessors will also examine whether existing maintenance schedules remain appropriate, not just confirm that servicing is taking place.
System sizing is another key focus of the proposals. Many buildings have changed how they are used over time. The updated framework will encourage assessors to confirm whether cooling systems are still correctly sized for current occupancy and usage patterns.
How Will Enforcement Change Under the New Compliance Environment?
Building owners will need to adapt to a more structured, data-led compliance environment.
The government's proposals call for a more rigorous approach to enforcement. Fines for non-compliance could rise from £300 to £800. This reflects the growing recognition that energy oversight is an essential part of responsible building management, not just a technical formality.
More frequent reporting triggers are also under discussion. These would apply when buildings are sold, let or significantly altered. This approach keeps TM44 data current and meaningful for tenants, buyers and investors.
A well-structured TM44 survey will play a more active role in supporting transparency across the commercial property market.
How Smart Energy Projects Supports the Transition
Smart Energy Projects works with clients to understand their existing TM44 inspection results. We also help them prepare for the direction of future standards. As reporting grows more detailed and complex, interpreting the data becomes just as important as carrying out the inspection.
Our expert team delivers targeted health checks. These assess how current cooling performance compares with the proposed 2030 EPC 'C' targets. Clients can then identify practical steps early, rather than reacting to regulatory changes at the last minute.
As TM44 reports become more data-heavy, an impartial and accredited assessor becomes essential. Smart Energy Projects ensures every TM44 survey delivers clear, reliable insight. We turn what was once a mandatory check into a practical energy roadmap that supports long-term planning.