21 September 2023 Update: UK’s Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Scrapped

Yesterday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a significant announcement regarding the previously reported EPC target policies. These policies, which had compelled landlords to enhance the energy efficiency of their properties to meet a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard, will now be eliminated. Instead, the government’s focus will shift towards encouraging households to voluntarily improve energy efficiency where feasible. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the fate of the newly introduced target of achieving an energy efficiency rating of D, which came into effect in April 2023. It is unclear whether this target will persist, or if it exclusively applies to the overarching objective of attaining an energy efficiency rating of C by 2025.

Original blog post below

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the UK were introduced in 2018 and require landlords to ensure that their properties have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or higher before they can be let to new tenants or renewals to existing tenants.

As of April 1, 2023, the MEES regulations will be updated to require a minimum EPC rating of D for new tenancies and renewals. This means that landlords must ensure their properties have an EPC rating of D or above before they can let them to new tenants or renewals.

Furthermore, from April 1, 2025, the MEES regulations will be updated again to require a minimum EPC rating of C for new tenancies and renewals.

These regulations apply to all privately rented properties in England and Wales, including domestic and non-domestic properties. There are some exemptions to the regulations, such as certain listed buildings or properties where it is not technically feasible to make the necessary improvements, but these exemptions are limited.

Landlords who fail to comply with the MEES regulations may be subject to financial penalties, with fines of up to £5,000 for domestic properties and up to £150,000 for non-domestic properties.

How can buildings be upgraded to meet the minimum EPC rating of D?

There are several ways that buildings can be upgraded to meet the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D:

  1. Install energy-efficient lighting: Upgrading to LED lighting is a simple and effective way to reduce energy consumption and improve the energy efficiency of a building. You can also retrofit old lights with LEDs to be extra environmentally friendly.
  2. Improve insulation: Insulating walls, floors, and roofs can help to reduce heat loss and improve the thermal efficiency of a building.
  3. Upgrade heating systems: Replacing old and inefficient heating systems with newer, more energy-efficient models can significantly improve a building’s EPC rating.
  4. Install renewable energy technologies: Installing solar panels or other renewable energy technologies can help to reduce energy consumption and improve the EPC rating of a building.
  5. Improve air tightness: Improving the air tightness of a building can help to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
  6. Upgrade windows and doors: Installing double or triple-glazing and draught-proofing windows and doors can help to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
  7. Consider low-carbon heating options: Consider low-carbon heating options such as heat pumps or district heating systems.

As of April 1, 2023, the MEES regulations will require a minimum EPC rating of D for new tenancies and renewals. From April 1, 2025, the minimum EPC rating requirement will be increased to C. Commercial landlords who fail to meet these requirements may face financial penalties and may be unable to lease their properties to tenants. EIG recently reported that A quarter of London’s commercial stock will be ‘unlettable’ from April following their research in September 2022 EG INVESTIGATION: Landlords face £16bn EPC time bomb

While it is possible that some commercial buildings in inner London may not meet the required EPC ratings, making them “unlettable,” the extent of this issue will depend on various factors, such as the age and condition of the buildings, the type of heating and cooling systems they have, and the availability of energy-efficient upgrades. It is recommended that landlords and building owners take steps to assess their properties’ EPC ratings and take measures to improve their energy efficiency to comply with the MEES regulations.

The above list is just a few examples of the many measures that can be taken to improve the energy efficiency of a building and meet the minimum EPC rating of D. It is recommended to hire a qualified energy assessor to assess the building and provide recommendations on the most effective ways to improve its energy efficiency.

Should you need help upgrading to a new LED lighting system Contact Us Alternatively should you wish to retrofit your existing lighting system with the latest LED technology check out our sister website revitalite.co.uk

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