MEES Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations
What Are MEES?
MEES Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards were introduced in March 2015 by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. They were designed to slowly tighten and increase the required efficiency of commercial property via the EPC (energy performance certificate) grade required to sell or let a property.
Why did the government introduce MEES?
The built environment has been identified by UK government as a major contributor to GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions, and thus poses a threat to the UK meeting its carbon reduction targets. Building Regulations ensure that new properties meet current energy efficiency standards, MEES Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards are designed to improve the efficiency of the UK's existing building stock.
How do they affect building owners/landlords?
From 1 April 2018, landlords of commercial buildings within the scope of the MEES Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations must not sell, renew existing tenancies or grant new tenancies if the building has less than the minimum energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E, unless an exemption is registered.
After 1 April 2023, landlords must not continue to let any buildings which have an EPC rating of less than E unless an exemption is registered.
What are the fines for non compliance?
The penalty for renting out a property for a period of fewer than three months in breach of the MEES Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations will be equivalent to 10% of the property’s rateable value, subject to a minimum penalty of £5,000 and a maximum of £50,000.
After three months, the penalty rises to 20% of the rateable value, with a minimum penalty of £10,000 and a maximum of £150,000.
The above fines are per rental agreement, so a landlord with multiple non-compliant properties/agreements could be at risk of multi million pound fines.
How Can ADR Sustainability Help?
ADR are experts in EPC production and the MEES Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations, we can look at a single property or a large portfolio of properties and advise on how to ensure compliance in the most effective manner.
It is important to stress that the responsibility of MEES Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulation lies with the landlord, this includes payment of fines and responsibility to improve a buildings efficiency to the required grade. ADR are experts in mitigating this risk, contact us to find out more.