Government announces significant changes to MEES regulations
In recent news, the incoming Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, Ed Miliband announced a reversal of the decision to scrap Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations made by the prior government back in the autumn. This means for both residential and commercial buildings that by 2030, landlords will not be allowed to rent or sell any building below C rate, a significant change from the current E rating level.
Understanding Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
In 2015, the Energy Efficiency Regulations introduced Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. This regulatory change was implemented in April 2020 and applied to all privately rented domestic properties throughout England and Wales. What this meant was landlords could no longer let properties with an EPC rating below E. This was followed by a proposition to target EPC rating C for new tenancies by 2025 and across all tenancies by 2028. This had a huge impact on the private rental market with some landlords withdrawing altogether and others hit with significant costs. The reaction prompted Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister at the time to row back on these measures and take a more workable realistic approach to Net Zero.
Delivering Warm Homes Plan
Party’s manifesto commitments; the Warm Homes Plan. This pledge aims to cut fuel property including the private rental sector and upgrade British homes.
Addressing the House of Commons last week, Ed Miliband publicly announced the first step in the plan:
“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.”
The Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary has yet to announce the strategy behind achieving these measures, but there will likely be further updates in the not-too-distant future.
What if Landlords cannot meet MEES requirements?
We know that in the past there were certain exemptions and criteria that gave landlords some flexibility with the targets. Under these new measures, it’s likely some allowance will be made but it is unclear how that will apply.
Support from our Sustainability team
The Cudd Bentley sustainability team has delivered on countless commercial and residential projects through measures and systems that support the UK Net Zero 2050 target.
Our skilled sustainability engineers already work within recognised frameworks and methodologies that promote energy efficiency and greener buildings. We know that the MEES plays an integral part in achieving net zero goals and we support the government’s drive for energy efficiency measures.
We want to assure the clients that we partner with including landlords, that our organisation remains up to date with regulatory changes and will relay all criteria and changes as we become aware. We fully appreciate that some landlords will feel a degree of concern and apprehension at this news especially when it comes to older properties. We have, however, supported countless refurbishments and retrospective projects over the years and will be able to deliver what is needed to meet EPC reforms.