A key question we’re asked by commercial landlords in England and Wales is ‘What is MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) and how can I avoid costly fines and lost income?
If you’re an industrial or commercial landlord in England or Wales, this guide from Anglia Profiles Limited will walk you through what you need to do to avoid costly fines, protect your rental income, and keep your properties compliant.
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) set the minimum EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating a property must achieve before it can be legally let, and the rules are tightening fast.
Failing to meet MEES could mean:
- Fines of up to £150,000 for commercial and industrial buildings
- Being unable to lease your unit until it meets the minimum EPC rating
- Lost rental income and reduced asset value
The good news? Acting now can ensure your property is compliant today and ready for upcoming MEES changes.
What Are Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards?
Since April 2018, it has been illegal to let a non-domestic property with an EPC rating lower than E, unless you have a registered exemption. From April 2023, this applied to all existing commercial leases – not just new lettings or renewals.
The government is expected to tighten MEES further, with proposals to require all non-domestic properties to achieve EPC B by 2030. For many landlords, this will mean substantial energy efficiency upgrades.
Why MEES Compliance Matters for Industrial & Commercial Landlords
- Avoid significant penalties – commercial MEES fines can reach £150,000
- Maintain lettability – non-compliant properties cannot be legally leased
- Protect long-term asset value – buildings with higher EPC ratings are more attractive to businesses
- Reduce operating costs for tenants – energy-efficient buildings lower bills, improving lease retention
How to Prepare Your Commercial Property for MEES Changes
- Check your EPC rating
- Find your building’s EPC on the Government’s EPC register. If it’s E or lower, act immediately. Even if you’re rated C or D, plan for the proposed 2030 EPC B requirement
- Identify high-impact improvements
- Common upgrades for industrial and commercial units include:
- High-performance glazing and insulated doors
- Roof and wall cladding insulation upgrades
- Air-tight loading bay systems
- Energy-efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) systems
- LED lighting with motion and daylight sensors
- Solar PV or other renewable energy systems
- Common upgrades for industrial and commercial units include:
- Create a phased upgrade plan
- Spread investment by prioritising improvements with the best EPC uplift and payback period.
- Work with experienced MEES compliance specialists
- Commercial buildings require specialist knowledge to ensure upgrades are effective, compliant, and cost-efficient
How Anglia Profiles Helps Industrial & Commercial Landlords
Our team offers free MEES compliance consultations for industrial and commercial landlords. We’ll assess your property, highlight the most impactful improvements, and help you meet or exceed the upcoming standards. Improvements could include:
- Improve EPC ratings quickly and effectively
- Reduce energy loss in industrial and retail units
- Meet current and future MEES requirements
- Enhance tenant comfort and operational efficiency
Anglia Profiles Ltd are suppliers of leading UK approved roofing systems and installer schemes, including manufacturers such as Kingspan, IKO, Kalzip, Euroclad and Garland UK. Working with industry recognised and approved manufacturers guarantees that our work meets the highest standards, giving our customers confidence and peace of mind through proper certification and approval processes.
To discuss how we can help your buildings meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and safeguard your investment, call us on 01353 721796 or complete our enquiry form.