Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

Coming into effect from 1 April 2018, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) will make it unlawful to grant new leases to properties with an F or G Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. From April 2023 the rules will be extended to include all existing commercial leases.

According to figures from Landmark, who hold a government database of all EPC rated properties, it is estimated this legislation will affect nearly a fifth of EPC building stock.

The legislation will apply to all new leases, extensions, renewals and sub-lets (from 6 months to 99 years). However, there are some exemptions; these relate to the cost effectiveness and ROI of updates required, third party consent and devaluation. Our experts can help you navigate the guidelines and assess your properties to ensure you make the right decisions on how to comply for your business.

It is imperative to get on the front foot with MEES compliance so you can actively reduce the risk of fines, vacant premises and property value depreciation.

Penalties

Failure to comply with the Regulations will result in landlords facing a financial penalty and a publication of non-compliance. Local authorities will enforce the provisions via Trading Standards Officers, with fines up to £150,000.

• For breaches less than 3 months: Up to £5,000 or 10% rateable value – whichever is greater.
• For breaches greater than 3 months: Up to £10,000 or 20% rateable value (up to £150,000) – whichever is greater.

How Utilitywise can help

Effectively managing property portfolios through MEES can be a complex task and the Utilitywise team are perfectly placed to support, with a large team of technical energy assessors and EPC experts offering EPCs of the highest standard. Not just satisfying a compliance tick box but delivering true value, offering strategy to enhance ratings and protect the value of your estate.

We are able to offer a fully managed MEES service, from an initial analysis of requirements to delivery of energy efficiency projects to make buildings MEES compliant.

Your MEES journey

1. Portfolio analysis – Analysis of existing building portfolio to identify where new EPCs are required (sites with no valid EPC and F or G rated sites).
2. Risk Assessment (EPCs) – Provision of all required EPCs and production of MEES Risk Report which details all sites ‘at risk’ (F or G rated) and proposed next steps to ensure compliance.
3. Risk Mitigation (Projects & EPCs) – Detailed investigation of improvement measures and fully managed implementation of energy efficiency projects to improve EPC ratings for F or G rated sites. Production of new EPC to ensure MEES compliance upon completion.

Why choose Utilitywise?

• With our help, you can avoid costly MEES penalties.
• We have a flexible approach. We can fully manage the process for you or just help with certain elements such as EPC assessments, an initial gap analysis or implementing energy efficiency improvements.
• We offer high quality and accurate EPCs – essential for MEES.
• Our team has extensive EPC experience – delivering the service since their introduction.
• We go the extra mile – we can provide options to simply comply or to achieve an even higher EPC rating.