Navigating The Reintroduction of MEES

Labour’s Ed Miliband, Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, recently announced a reintroduction of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for landlords. This has significant implications for property owners across the UK.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• What MEES entails
• The reasons behind its reintroduction
• What property owners need to do to comply
• How air tightness testing can help in achieving compliance
• Our expert insights on sustainable building practices

What is MEES? 

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are regulations set by the UK government to improve the energy efficiency of private rented properties in England and Wales. Unless an exemption has been registered, landlords and property owners must ensure that the minimum targets are met when granting a lease to new or existing tenants.

Initially introduced in 2015, the standards targeted all privately rented domestic properties. From April 2020, all private rental properties were required to achieve an EPC rating of E or above. It was proposed that the minimum standard be raised to EPC rating C for new tenancies by 2025 and for all tenancies by 2028, but the regulations were then scrapped by the Conservative Government in 2023.

The reintroduction by the Labour Government aims to further tighten these standards to meet the UK’s ambitious decarbonisation targets.

The Labour Government’s Reintroduction of MEES

One thing that this Government will do that the last Government did not, is demand that landlords raise the standard of their accommodation to a proper energy performance certificate standard C by 2030.

Ed Miliband, Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary

Under the reintroduced MEES, properties must achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030. This change is part of Labour’s broader strategy to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. The new requirements will compel property owners to make necessary upgrades to enhance the energy efficiency of their buildings.

By setting higher standards, Labour aims to ensure that buildings contribute less to carbon emissions and are more sustainable in the long run. This reintroduction not only targets a reduction in energy consumption but also supports the UK’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Implications of MEES for Property Owners 

While full details haven’t been announced yet, property owners must ensure their buildings comply with these standards. In the past, landlords who did not comply faced potential penalties such as fines and restrictions on leasing their properties. Significant upgrades might be necessary for many properties to improve their energy efficiency.

For the past regulations, Local Authorities (LAs) were responsible for compliance and enforcement of the MEES Regulations in the domestic sector, and Local Weights and Measure Authorities (LWMAs) were responsible for compliance and enforcement in the non-domestic sector.

Steps to achieve compliance

1. Assess Your Current EPC Rating:

• Hire a certified energy assessor to conduct a thorough retrofit assessment of your property.
• The assessment will identify areas where your property falls short of the EPC rating C requirement.

2. Plan Necessary Upgrades:

• Insulate walls, roofs and floors to improve thermal efficiency.
• Upgrade heating systems to more efficient models.
• Install double or triple glazing to reduce heat loss.
• Enquire with us for some Improvement Option Evaluation Modelling to help guide your improvements.

3. Conduct Air Tightness Testing:

• Schedule an air tightness test to get accurate data on your building’s energy performance.
• Use the test results to pinpoint specific areas where energy leaks occur and make targeted improvements.

4. Utilise Renewable Energy Sources:

• Install solar panels or other renewable energy systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Incorporate energy-efficient lighting and appliances.

5. Monitor and Maintain:

• Regularly check and maintain the energy efficiency improvements to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Stay informed about any updates or changes to MEES regulations.

Air Testing for Compliance 

Outdated EPC ratings based on estimates can mislead you about your building’s true energy performance. As part of the upcoming RdSAP 10 methodology, air tightness testing can soon be used to provide accurate data for reliable domestic EPC ratings. 

Standard domestic EPC assessments have relied on default values for air permeability – these are frequently inaccurate, especially for older buildings. An air tightness test can often achieve a much lower air permeability result than the default value, leading to a more accurate and favourable EPC rating.

Additionally, air tightness testing can pinpoint specific areas where leaks occur and offer detailed recommendations for improvements. This ensures that if your building falls short of the required EPC rating, you have a clear and actionable plan to enhance its energy efficiency and achieve compliance.

To see our air testing service in action, read our case study on how we helped two local businesses significantly improve their commercial EPC ratings:

Commercial EPCs Air Tightness Testing Commercial Decarbonisation

Commercial EPCs & Air Tests: Bristol Warehouses

View Case Study

Our Expert Insights

Promoting a sustainable future and enhancing living conditions is essential and targeting an EPC C is certainly heading in the right direction, but perhaps not quite enough.

 Landlords have a duty to upgrade their properties for the benefit of the wider population, especially since homeownership is unattainable for many, let alone improvements. However, achieving an EPC C rating can be relatively straightforward and may not accurately reflect a property’s sustainability.

We should focus on reducing energy consumption and associated carbon emissions through a fabric-first approach. This is part of a holistic approach to sustainability, which should also involve improving the ventilation and other services to boost indoor air quality, comfort and healthy building fabric, and finally utilising renewable energy sources to limit fossil fuel use and further reduce carbon emissions.

An EPC survey provides a basic measure of a property’s energy efficiency, and higher ratings can be achieved regardless of whether fabric improvements or renewable energy measures are implemented.  Successful retrofit is thoughtful and considered. It should supported through the government and made feasible through expert knowledge from the retrofit and building construction profession. A target is great, but support is invaluable.

The only solution is for us as home owners and occupiers to aim higher than minimum standards. We are in a climate crisis and this is an emergency.

Wiktoria Krzekotowska, Technical Manager at Building Energy Experts

What’s Next?

Labour’s reintroduction of MEES presents both challenges and opportunities for property owners. By understanding the requirements and taking proactive steps, you can ensure your property complies with these standards by 2030. Contact us today to learn more about our EPC and air testing services and how we can help you stay ahead of the regulations.