Minimum Energy EFFICIENCY Standards- is your commercial let energy efficient?
As we head into the winter months, faced with the current energy crisis, it's more important than ever for building owners, landlords and even tenants to understand the new energy efficiency requirements that are soon to come into action.
What are MEES?
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are benchmarks set by the government that specify building owners and landlords of commercial property to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E before commencing a new tenancy.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC's) are a legal document that summarises the energy performance of a building on an A-G scale. With 'A' being more energy efficient.
EPCs are valid for 10 years. To avoid having to obtain a new EPC for every letting or lease event in the coming decade, you should aim for a B sooner rather than later.
What does this mean?
If you’re a commercial building owner or landlord, failure to comply with MEES can result in financial penalties and a potential loss in revenue.
For many, in order to meet the new standards, offices and workplaces will require updates.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a legal document that summarises the energy performance of a building on an A-G scale. With 'A' being more energy efficient. EPCs are valid for 10 years. To avoid having to obtain a new EPC for every letting or lease event in the coming decade, you should aim for a B sooner rather than later.
MEES and EPC Timeline
If you’re wondering about how EPC rating regulations will play out over the long term, here is a timeline of the MEES milestones.
As part of the Government’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050, minimum energy efficiency levels of ‘E’ for domestic and non-domestic privately rented properties were put into action in 2018. This applies to lease-renewals and sublets.
From April 2023, this minimum EPC rating will apply even if there are no changes to tenancy.
By April 2027, the minimum standard will be raised to an EPC rating of C. By April 2030, a B rating will be required.
How to improve your EPC rating
EPC is based on two factors: building fabric and building services.
Building fabric includes the structural aspects such as floors, internal and external walls, glazing and roofs.
Building fabric is a more difficult aspect to address when it comes to EPC improvement. Form fabric and fuel measures can be taken such as:
● Modelling new builds accurately
● A high degree of insulation
● Insulated window frames
● Inclusion of airtight fabrics
● Heat recovery ventilation systems
Building services refers to heating and cooling, lighting, electrics and power provisions.
Building services may be a much more accessible approach to improving EPC ratings. Simple switches to smart, demand-controlled heating, lighting and ventilation are easy upgrades. Some examples of design changes include:
● Generating your own energy on-site, e.g., solar panels
● Smart lighting, heating and ventilation systems
● Demand driven controls and automation of energy usage
● Variable Refrigerant Flow Units (VRF) - configured to have room-specific temperatures
● LED lighting
● Changing over-specified lighting
Benefits of improving EPC
Other than avoiding hefty fines, improving the EPC ratings of buildings has many other benefits. With a better EPC, spaces have reduced energy consumption, therefore reducing heating and electricity bills and the impact of high energy use on the environment. An energy efficient space is also far more marketable to tenants as the space will be warmer, more comfortable and have the green credentials which remain key factors in many business strategies.
How we can help
It is important to consider that EPC assessors may sometimes refer to default grading if information is not readily accessible. It is therefore crucial to find an assessor that will be able to support the process by offering expert guidance.
In addition, it is critical to partner with a fit-out company that understands the factors that affect EPC ratings. Our designers consider everything from how many square feet, which heating, lighting and ventilation systems need making more efficient and which materials can best act to insulate. For example, if there are more light fittings in a space than are required to generate the necessary levels, our designers can remove some and install sensor switches, saving energy while still providing good levels of lighting. We also offer dilapidation services, to return spaces back to regulation following the end of a tenancy.
If you’re unsure about where you stand with MEES and EPC ratings, we now offer a FREE Workplace Performance Review with one of our expert consultants. Alternatively, just get in touch with any questions you might have.