Non-Domestic MEES Consultation outcome still pending as industry awaits clarity
The Government’s response to the long-awaited consultation on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for Non-Domestic Buildings remains unpublished, despite being expected in the first half of 2025. As we eagerly await the official response, Elmhurst take a closer look at why it’s so important for improving the energy efficiency of the non-domestic sector.
The History of Non-Domestic MEES
Since 1 April 2023, landlords of privately rented non-domestic buildings in England and Wales have been legally required to ensure that their building has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least an E in order to let a non-domestic property. The initial 2019 consultation sought to ensure that privately rented non-domestic buildings in England and Wales would require an EPC B rating to be legally let by 2030. This was followed by a white paper and further consultation issued in 2021, setting out proposals to ensure that enforcement was improved, and that policy could be delivered.
When was the official response expected?
The Government’s formal response to the MEES consultation was expected in the first half of 2025 but is yet to be published.
This outcome is crucial for shaping the path to the EPC B requirement by 2030 and for informing the design of future policy. MEES regulations play a key role in the Government’s wider efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across the built environment.
Elmhurst’s Consultation Response
Elmhurst strongly supports the proposed uplift in minimum EPC standards for non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. In our consultation response, we emphasised the need for a clear compliance trajectory aligned with rising standards, alongside improved enforcement and earlier compliance triggers – such as during property sales or lease renewals. We also highlighted the central role of non-domestic energy assessors in supporting MEES compliance and enhancing the energy performance of the built environment.
Elmhurst Thoughts
Danny Pearson, Non-Domestic Team Leader comments:
“MEES regulations play a crucial role in improving the energy efficiency of the commercial built environment in England and Wales, with Non-Domestic Energy Assessors being at the forefront of providing advice to improve buildings. With the recent Domestic MEES announcement for both the private and social sectors, it is important that guidance for Non-Domestic MEES is also issued to align the future trajectory of both sectors and build momentum.
The release of MEES regulations will provide much needed clarity for both Non-Domestic Energy Assessors as well as the wider industry, whilst setting the future trajectory towards changes to minimum bandings and policy updates. Elmhurst will continue to advocate for both the important role that Non-Domestic Energy Assessors play in improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings, and the importance of a clear trajectory for both assessors and the wider industry.
We remain at the forefront of driving the sector forward and hope to see an outcome to this consultation from Government as soon as possible, particularly in relation to policy changes and the upcoming 7-year payback review.”