House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Non domestic minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
18 June 2026 · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Proposed by Martin McCluskey Lab Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Government updating Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for non-domestic properties in the private rented sector.
- Buildings over 1,000 square metres will need to meet an EPC B standard from 2031 where cost-effective.
- Smaller buildings below 1,000 square metres will maintain their current EPC E minimum requirement.
Issue summary
The Government is updating its Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for non-domestic properties in the private rented sector.
Action requested
From 2031, buildings over 1,000 square metres will need to meet an EPC B standard where cost-effective. Smaller buildings below this threshold will maintain their current EPC E minimum requirement. The Government plans to publish a consultation response and introduce legislation to support these changes.
Key facts
- Proposals were first consulted on in 2019 and 2021.
- Larger buildings over 1,000 square metres will need to meet an EPC B standard by 2031 where cost-effective.
- Smaller buildings below 1,000 square metres will continue with the current EPC E minimum requirement.
- Modelling suggests tenants in larger premises could save £360m annually on energy costs by 2031.
- The interim EPC C milestone for 2027 is not being implemented.