Owners and occupiers of non-domestic buildings are seeking to understand in greater detail how energy is being used in buildings and how energy consumption may be reduced in line with net zero carbon commitments and science-based targets.
Whilst Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are seen by many as an imperfect tool, the future trajectory of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), increasing from an EPC E in 2023 to an EPC B by 2030, emphasises the importance of EPCs.
This short briefing note, prepared with EVORA EDGE and Irwin Mitchell, provides an insight into complying with MEES and reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in non-domestic buildings. It also points towards alternative approaches to improving energy performance in non-domestic buildings which the government has recently consulted on. It will be relevant to investors, developers, owners and occupiers of commercial buildings.
How big is the challenge of MEES?
Of the c.91,000 non-domestic EPCs lodged in 2019, only 15% were A+/A or B rated. If we look back further, the data is even more stark. Over the last 10 years, it is estimated that less than 12% of all EPCs lodged were B or higher. This means that the vast majority (88%) of non-domestic properties will need to be improved over the next 10 years (during the life of the EPC) to comply with potential future MEES requirements. In real numbers, this equates to over half a million individual assets that would need to be improved, representing a real challenge for the property industry.
For more information, please download the full briefing note.Â
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