The UK Government has confirmed plans to strengthen the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for larger commercial buildings, introducing significant changes that landlords, developers and property managers should begin preparing for.
Although the legislation has not yet come into force, the proposals provide a clear direction of travel for the commercial property sector and reinforce the importance of planning energy improvement projects well in advance.
What’s Changing?
The Government has announced its intention that, from 2031, privately rented non-domestic buildings in England and Wales with a floor area of more than 1,000m² will be required to achieve an EPC rating of B, where this is considered cost-effective.
The key proposals include:
- Commercial buildings over 1,000m² will be expected to achieve EPC B by 2031, subject to secondary legislation.
- Buildings under 1,000m² will continue to meet the existing minimum requirement of EPC E.
- The previously proposed interim requirement to reach EPC C by 2027 has been dropped.
- Existing exemptions and the seven-year payback test will remain, meaning only practical and financially viable improvements will be required.
According to the Government, these proposals are expected to reduce energy costs for tenants in larger commercial buildings by around £360 million per year by 2031 while improving energy security and reducing carbon emissions.
What Does This Mean for Property Owners?
If you own or manage a large commercial property portfolio, these changes mean there is now a longer but clearer timescale for improving building performance.
Rather than rushing to meet an interim 2027 deadline, landlords can develop phased improvement programmes that align with lease renewals, refurbishment projects and planned maintenance.
However, waiting until the final years before 2031 could create challenges. As demand for retrofit contractors, consultants and specialist surveyors increases, early planning is likely to provide greater flexibility and reduce project risks.
How Survey Hub Can Help
Survey Hub works with commercial landlords, developers, architects, consultants and contractors across the UK, delivering EPC & MEES solutions for refurbishment, retrofit and redevelopment projects.
As the commercial property sector prepares for future EPC requirements, having reliable survey data from the outset can help projects progress more smoothly, reduce risk and support informed investment decisions.
If you’re planning improvement works to a commercial property, our experienced survey teams can provide the accurate information your design team needs to move your project forward with confidence.
We offer a MEES review service, in which we model relevant improvements (such as a new lighting, glazing and upgrades to services etc), reviewing how different solutions will impact on the EPC rating, with a view to preparing an enhanced recommendations report & analysis. This will assist you to make an informed decision on which building improvements will have the biggest impact on the rating, prioritised by estimated costs, that will achieve the current minimum rating and where possible, up to and including a B rating and beyond.
Why Accurate Surveys Matter
Before any energy improvements can be designed or implemented, professionals need accurate information about the existing building.
Whether you’re replacing HVAC systems, upgrading insulation, remodelling internal layouts or improving building services, reliable survey data helps ensure projects are designed efficiently and delivered with confidence.
Survey Hub supports these projects by providing the high-quality surveying information that architects, engineers, building consultants and contractors rely upon.
Planning Ahead Makes Sense
While EPC assessments determine a building’s energy rating, they often highlight areas where improvements may be required. Delivering those improvements typically relies on accurate survey information to inform design, planning and construction.
Starting surveys early allows project teams to:
- Understand existing building layouts.
- Identify constraints before design begins.
- Improve the accuracy of refurbishment proposals.
- Reduce unforeseen costs during construction.
- Support more efficient project delivery.
At Survey Hub, our customers are a priority. We are determined to deliver the best service to existing and future clients, which is why making our customers aware and up to date on important changes that may affect you – is why keeping you up to date means the most to us.
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