In 2015, the UK Government committed to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, ushering in many long-term legislative efforts to meet the goal for sustainable cities and communities.
This commitment to sustainability put the spotlight on businesses and property owners in the UK and their carbon footprint. Office spaces are increasingly designed to be more environmentally friendly as companies look to meet their internal ESG goals and overall sustainability objectives. Likewise, UK residents and property owners are becoming more conscientious about their property’s EPC checks and air-tightness assessments.
Earlier in 2023, the government had abandoned the MEES regulations, but now MEES has been reintroduced with new rules. The new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are all set to give this sustainability movement a major push.
But what MEES changes are being introduced? And what do these minimum energy efficiency standards mean for commercial and residential property owners? Gio Property Solutions, your dependable partner in energy performance certificate (EPC) checks and air tightness tests, answers these questions and more in this blog.
What Is MEES?
The UK Government set up Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in 2015 to address the issue of carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of properties in England and Wales.
The MEES regulations state that all property owners and landlords must meet minimum energy efficiency targets before granting leases to new or existing tenants unless exemptions have been registered. Subsequently, in 2020, the MEES regulations required privately rented domestic properties to achieve an EPC rating of E or above.
All involved parties, including investors, developers, landlords and tenants, must be aware of the MEES changes. Failure to comply with the latest standards may mean severe penalties.
Reintroduction of MEES
The new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards aim to tighten the standards to surpass the UK’s ambitious decarbonisation goals. Under the latest MEES, all properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C before the 2030 deadline.
This change is a part of the government’s ambitious strategy to lower carbon emissions and fight climate change. Property owners and landlords must make the necessary energy-efficient upgrades according to the new requirements.
Meeting these higher standards prevents buildings from generating more carbon emissions, therefore becoming more sustainable. Implementing the new MEES changes not only signifies the impact of urban planning and infrastructure in reducing energy consumption levels but also supports the UK’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
What Do the New Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Mean for Property Owners?
Understanding the new changes in MEES is the first step. Let’s explore the new minimum energy efficiency standards for commercial and residential properties.
For Commercial Properties
According to Deloitte’s latest London Office Crane Survey, 80% of office buildings in London don’t meet the future minimum requirements for energy performance.
From 1 April 2023, it became an offence to continue to let or rent a commercial property without an EPC rating of at least E. Depending on the property value, this could invite a severe monetary penalty, anywhere between £10,000-£150,000 per breach. The details of the breach will be made publicly available.
For Residential Properties
The responsibility for upgrading the energy efficiency of residential properties and complying with the new regulations rests with the landlords and not the tenants.
Besides penalties, not meeting the new MEES changes and its requirements may result in loss of income from a property sitting idle as it’s not eligible to be rented out pending upgrade works.
Whether you have a commercial property or a residential one, it’s best to get an EPC check done earlier rather than later to avoid the implications of unmet new MEES standards.
Steps to Achieve Compliance with MEES in 2024
1. Get an EPC Check Done
If you’re based in Essex, contact Mark from Gio to conduct a comprehensive retrofit assessment and EPC check of your property. Our services help pinpoint where your property falls short of the required EPC rating.
2. Plan the Upgrades
Ensure you plan and install the recommended upgrades and improvements as mentioned in the reports from your EPC checks. Whether upgrading the insulation of your roof, floors or walls or installing double or triple glazing to minimise heat loss, energy-efficient enhancements will help boost your EPC level.
3. Get Air Tightness Testing Done
Understand your building’s energy performance with an air tightness test. Book an air tightness test with Gio today to find out where there are air leaks and make appropriate improvements.
4. Install Renewable Energy Measures
Embrace renewable sources of energy over fossil fuel-dependent energy sources. Consider installing solar panels and other renewable measures.
5. Monitor and Maintain
Keep a constant check on your energy usage and efficiency patterns and ensure compliance. Stay updated on the latest MEES changes and amendments.
Comply with the New MEES Changes with Gio Property Solutions
The reintroduction of MEES may have you worried about meeting the new requirements, but with Gio by your side, you can wave goodbye to any concerns. You can trust us to conduct energy-efficiency checks and help you meet MEES compliance requirements for your commercial and domestic properties.
Since 2008, Mark Giordmaina, the founder of Gio Property Solutions, has been delivering exceptional energy-efficient solutions to residential and commercial properties. We’re a renowned contractor of domestic and commercial EPC solutions serving all areas across Essex, London, Kent, and Herts. In addition to EPC checks, we conduct air tightness testing assessments, retrofit assessments, and coordination to gauge air tightness levels and the energy efficiency of your properties.
Assess and meet your MEES 2024 needs with our expert assistance. Contact us today.
