Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
What are Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were introduced on 1 April 2018 to improve the energy performance of commercial buildings and are required for buildings in the UK to address several critical environmental, economic, and regulatory goals:
Combat Climate Change
Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of the UK’s carbon emissions—commercial buildings alone account for around 20%
MEES regulations aim to reduce these emissions by improving the energy efficiency of both residential and non-residential properties.
Support the UK’s Net Zero Target
The UK government has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Since around 60% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already built, improving the energy performance of existing buildings is essential. Improve Energy Efficiency
MEES ensures that buildings meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating—currently E or above. This encourages landlords to upgrade insulation, heating systems, and other energy-related features to reduce energy consumption.
Protect Tenants and Occupants
Energy-efficient buildings are generally more comfortable and cost-effective to occupy. MEES helps reduce fuel poverty by ensuring tenants are not burdened with high energy bills due to poorly performing buildings.
Avoid Legal and Financial Penalties
Landlords who fail to comply with MEES can face fines of up to £150,000 per building
The regulations also affect the ability to legally let or renew leases on properties that do not meet the minimum EPC rating.
Drive Market Transformation
By setting a legal baseline, MEES pushes the property market toward more sustainable practices, encouraging innovation and investment in green technologies and retrofitting.
From April 2025, enforcement is expected to become more proactive, and the minimum acceptable rating is also due to increase from E to C and then to B.
- By 1 April 2025 – All rented properties must have a valid (i.e. in date) EPC.
- By 1 April 2027 – Properties must achieve a rating of at least C (or register a valid exemption).
- By 1 April 2028 – EPCs must be reviewed for further necessary upgrades.
- By 1 April 2030 – All rented properties must achieve a rating of at least B (or register an exemption).