Upcoming legislation changes to the minimum energy efficiency standard, or ‘MEES’, have been on the minds of owners across the UK. To reduce any uncertainty for our clients, we have outlined the key dates you need to know in order to prepare.

Imagine…

Imagine you own, and currently let, a commercial building with an EPC F rating in which the lease has several years remaining; how long will your building be compliant for and when do you need to act?

01 April 2018

From April 2018, non-domestic buildings were required to hold an EPC rating of E or higher upon commencing a new lease, including lease renewals and sub-lets. There are limited exceptions to this relating to cost and listed buildings.

As your property is already let, and the lease does not expire for many years, you are compliant under MEES regulations. However, you will need to prepare for April 2023 and make any refurbishments that bring you to an EPC rating E or above.

15 June 2022

From 15 June 2021, Building Regulation Part L came into force, meaning that the EPC calculation methodology changed significantly. The methodology now strongly favours space heating by heat pumps and discourages gas fired heating.

You will need to consider how the methodology changes affect your EPC, and which refurbishments are needed to increase your rating.

01 April 2023

From April 2023, buildings with an EPC rating of F, G or below must not be let even where there is an existing tenancy. There are limited exceptions to this where improvements are not practical due to cost or listing building status. Any exemptions must be registered on the PRS register.

As your property currently holds an EPC rating F, you are no longer able to let the building to your existing tenant. Any EPC refurbishments must have been completed by April 2023, and your rating must now be an E or above.

01 April 2027 (expected regulation date)

From April 2027, all non-domestic rented buildings must have an EPC rating of C or higher. Limited exemptions to this relate to cost and listed buildings.

Your commercial property must hold an EPC rating of C or above in order to let it to tenants. When you start making refurbishments, it is worth understanding the works required to take your energy efficiency to a C rating or higher.

01 April 2030 (expected regulation date)

From April 2030, all non-domestic rented buildings must have an EPC rating of B or higher, or have registered a valid exemption.

Your commercial property must hold an EPC rating of B or above in order to let it to tenants. When you start making refurbishments, it may be worth understanding the works required to take your energy efficiency to a B rating or higher.

Non-Compliance with MEES can result in fines of up to 20% of the rateable value to a maximum of £150,000, and so it is important for clients to understand what is expected of their asset.

Our team has the in-house expertise to provide a one stop shop for clients looking to make EPC improvements to their assets. Our ESG consulting team works together with our project management, cost management and mechanical and electrical engineering teams to provide comprehensive and rounded advice to improve a buildings performance.

If you would like further information about EPCs and the upcoming MEES legislation, get in touch with our ESG Consultant, Calum Mackenzie, who can support you in your ESG ambitions.