JP Johnson – The Performance Gap: Why EPCs Fail and How to Fix Them

Doing the Opposite x Proptech Connect is a mini-series ahead of Europe’s largest real estate tech event. In this episode Jeff Dewing speaks to JP Johnson, a Senior Energy Consultant at Symphony Energy, a company that provides innovative technology to decarbonize commercial buildings and optimize energy performance in the built environment. JP is committed to making offices, hotels, hospitals and universities into smarter, more sustainable and cost-effective spaces and driving positive change for the planet.

Jeff and JP discuss one of the industry's most uncomfortable truths: the significant gap between theoretical building performance (as measured by EPCs) and actual operational efficiency.  This performance gap represents not just an environmental challenge, but a significant financial opportunity, with buildings frequently consuming up to three times more energy than their design specifications predict. Symphony Energy has been working for 20 years on closing this performance gap. Whilst new metrics for building efficiency are arguably more effectual than EPCs, the wider tenant market still recognises EPCs so they are unlikely to be abandoned anytime soon. 

JP reveals how Symphony Energy's guarantee-based business model aligns perfectly with client interests - they charge based on actual savings achieved rather than promised results, typically ensuring a five-year payback period. This approach has been particularly effective with owner-occupiers seeking both sustainability credentials and reduced operational costs. JP also shares how their innovative approach has achieved astonishing results for their clients - including a 47% energy reduction in a university building that was already meeting its 2030 sustainability targets. “Reduced carbon emissions reduces costs. It's a pretty attractive UPC”, JP says. 

JP and Jeff also explore practical implementation challenges, from cybersecurity concerns to the risk-averse nature of the real estate industry. JP remains optimistic about the future, highlighting both the transformative potential of AI and the influx of newly qualified sustainability professionals as key catalysts for accelerating progress toward net zero buildings.

Proptech Connect Europe begins today. We will see you there!!

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3rd – 4th September 2025

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