MEES Compliance: What You Need to Know
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Data from the National EPC Register reveals that a significant portion of the UK’s commercial property stock is not meeting the required energy efficiency standards. Specifically, 18% of commercial properties have an EPC rating of F or G, the lowest possible ratings, while another 20% are rated E. As of April 2018, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came into force, requiring all commercial properties to have at least an E rating to be rented.
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However, these standards are set to become more stringent in the coming years. The UK government is currently consulting on a proposal to increase the minimum EPC rating to C by 2027 and B by 2030. This means that properties with lower ratings will need to undergo significant upgrades to comply with future regulations.
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Cost-Effective Measures for Compliance
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To meet MEES requirements, any improvements made to increase a property’s energy efficiency must be cost-effective. This means the cost of implementing energy-saving measures should be less than the savings the measures will generate over a 7-year period.
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In the case of commercial properties, the focus is on ensuring that investments in energy-saving upgrades deliver a return within a reasonable time frame. For example, upgrading heating systems, insulation, or installing energy-efficient lighting must result in enough savings on energy bills to justify the upfront costs.
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At NRG Assessments, we specialise in helping property owners, landlords, and businesses identify the most cost-effective energy-saving measures for their buildings. Our qualified energy assessors can carry out a detailed analysis of your property and provide tailored recommendations to improve your EPC rating and ensure compliance with MEES.
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Residential Properties: Cost Cap for Landlords
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For residential properties, the MEES regulations also apply, with a £3,500 cost cap for landlords. This means that a landlord is not expected to spend more than £3,500 to bring a property up to the required EPC rating. If the cost of improvements exceeds this amount, landlords may be able to apply for an exemption.
While this cap applies only to residential properties, the principle of cost-effectiveness still applies. Landlords are required to make improvements that are financially justifiable, with the aim of reducing energy consumption and improving the overall sustainability of their rental properties.
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How NRG Assessments Can Help
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At NRG Assessments, we can help both commercial and residential property owners meet the MEES requirements by providing expert advice on the most effective energy-saving measures. Our qualified energy assessors will conduct a thorough survey of your property, assess its current energy performance, and provide a detailed report with practical, cost-effective recommendations for improvement.
By improving your property’s EPC rating, you not only ensure compliance with current and future regulations, but also benefit from:
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Lower operating costs: More efficient properties lead to lower energy bills.
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Reduced carbon footprint: Enhancing energy efficiency helps meet environmental targets.
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Increased property value: Higher EPC ratings make properties more attractive to tenants and buyers.
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NRG Assessments is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of MEES compliance and improve your property’s energy performance. Get in touch today to find out how we can assist you in meeting these evolving standards.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive
The Onus is on Landlords: Are You Ready for the New Legislation?​
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As a landlord, the responsibility is on you to ensure your property meets the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). Whether you manage a large or small portfolio, now is the time to assess if your property complies with the latest criteria.
At NRG Assessments, we can analyse your property’s energy performance and provide guidance on making cost-effective improvements to bring it up to standard.
While sales are not affected by this legislation, leases are. By 2023, all leases—both current and new—will be required to meet the new EPC standards. This means demand for EPCs will rise significantly, and failure to comply could result in financial penalties.
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Be Proactive, Not Reactive
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Waiting until the last minute could have a serious financial impact. Start planning now to ensure your property meets the upcoming requirements and avoid costly disruptions down the line.
The Commercial MEES Assessment Process

COMPLETE THE EPC
Attend site and completed the desk-based computer model as normal together with the recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of the building.

ANALYSE THE EPC
The EPC will be thoroughly checked and if it achieves an A-E it will be lodged as normal. If it achieves an F or G you will be informed and the next part of the assessment can be discussed.

MEES REPORT
Once you have agreed further analysis we will upload your EPC onto Arbnco's platform for them to analyse the recommendations made in the EPC.

HIGHLIGHT SAVINGS
The report highlights cost-effective savings over a 7-year period, If the cost for installing a measure to improve the building's energy performance is less than the 7-year saving then these will have to be installed. If not, then it can be exempt from being installed.
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Example
If a boiler saves the occupant £3000 over a 7-year period, but costs £3001 or higher. EXEMPT
If the boiler costs £2999 or lower. NOT EXEMPT

PROVIDE QUOTES
For an exemption to comply with the regulations, a minimum of 3 quotations are required. For the cost-effective measure to be installed it must be less than the 7-year saving.

FINISH EPC
If some elements have been installed to increase the energy performance of the building, our assessor will revisit to check and validate the measure installed in the building.
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The EPC can be finished and if an exemption is required the EPC will be lodged together with the MEES report and the quotations to the government's exemption website.