Changes to MEES for commercial properties: consultation outcome

On 18 June 2026, the Government published an interim response to consultations held in 2019 and 2021 on increasing the minimum energy efficiency standards, known as MEES for commercial properties in England and Wales.

In the response, the Government confirmed its intention to raise MEES requirements for larger commercial properties. The key proposal will require all private rented buildings in England and Wales which are over 1,000 square metres to reach a minimum energy performance rating of B, where cost effective, from 2031. Smaller buildings (those below 1,000 square metres) will remain subject to the current minimum energy performance rating of E.

The new minimum energy efficiency standard will however only take effect once secondary legislation is in force, and the Government has not yet confirmed a timetable for the introduction of such legislation.

Other key takeaways

• The proposed requirement for commercial properties to achieve an energy performance rating of C by 2027 will not be implemented.
• The existing flexibility mechanisms currently in place will be retained including the 7-year payback test.
• As a result, landlords will only be required to carry out cost-effective energy efficiency improvements that are practical and capable of meeting the 7-year payback criteria.
• In practice, the payback test may limit the impact of the EPC B requirement where upgrade costs are disproportionate to achievable energy savings.

What should I do?

Although the final legislative timetable is yet to be confirmed, a proactive approach will leave landlords better prepared for the changes and reduce the risk of costly, last-minute compliance measures.

If you would like guidance on how to prepare for the increase to MEES for commercial properties, please get in touch with our real estate team.

Our Legal 500 and Chambers-rated real estate team has outstanding technical expertise and can advise on a huge range of property transactions and non-contentious construction issues.