Government Response to Non-Domestic MEES Consultation Expected in 'First Half of 2025'
The government has confirmed that it will publish its formal response to the 2019 consultation on minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for non-domestic private rented properties in the first half of 2025.
The update was shared in a letter addressed to Andy Parkin, Chair of the Property Energy Professionals Association (PEPA). The Department responsible for the policy confirmed that it has reviewed all consultation feedback and is considering the policy design to ensure it is fair and workable for both landlords and tenants.
What Are the Current Non-Domestic MEES Requirements?
Under the current MEES regulations, landlords of non-domestic privately rented properties in England and Wales must ensure their buildings have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E before granting a new lease or renewing an existing one. Since 1 April 2023, the rules applied to all existing leases—meaning that it is unlawful to continue letting a non-domestic property with an EPC rating of F or G unless a valid exemption has been registered.
MEES regulations are part of the government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across the built environment.
The original 2019 consultation proposed a pathway for landlords to ensure all non-domestic privately rented buildings in England and Wales achieve an EPC rating of B by 2030. A key feature of the proposals was the introduction of interim compliance milestones, starting with an EPC C target by 2027. The policy aimed to provide long-term certainty for landlords and tenants while significantly improving the energy performance of the commercial property stock.
Elmhurst’s original response to the consultation strongly supported the Government’s intention to raise minimum standards. We emphasised the importance of a clear compliance trajectory, better enforcement mechanisms, and improved data quality. We also called for earlier triggers for compliance – such as at lease renewal or property sale – to ensure energy efficiency upgrades are implemented in a timely manner.
Additionally, we urged the Government to strengthen the role of EPCs and energy assessments, highlighting the crucial role non-domestic assessors play in
supporting both compliance and improvements across the built environment.
Andy Parkin, Elmhurst’s Technical Development Director, welcomed the Government’s confirmation and said he was pleased to see momentum building around this vital area:
“We at Elmhurst are encouraged by this response and wish to let our assessors know that the Government has taken the views of Elmhurst and our Energy Assessors onboard and a policy update is expected very soon.
I’m pleased to see progress being made in this area, which has been a key priority for the sector for some time. Rising energy costs and growing demand for more efficient real estate have only increased the urgency of this agenda. Regulation must set the benchmark for progress across the sector, not lag behind it.
Around three quarters of non-domestic properties still fall below an EPC B, and it’s vital that the Government extends its recent momentum in the domestic sector to ensure this sector is not left behind. The non-domestic PRS [Private Rented Sector] plays a critical role in meeting the UK’s climate targets and deserves the same level of commitment.”
Elmhurst will continue to monitor developments and will provide further updates as soon as the government’s response is published.
Useful Links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/non-domestic-private-rented-sector-minimum-energy-efficiency-standards-epc-b-implementation
https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/information-for-businesses/