Understanding Commercial EPCs and Their Role in MEES

With updates to the MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) legislation expected soon following the latest government consultation, the quality and accuracy of your EPCs have never been more critical.

Far from a tick-box exercise, a poorly produced EPC can:

• Undermine asset value
•  Lead to costly and unnecessary upgrades
• Expose you to compliance risks

Meanwhile, a high-quality, data-driven EPC can:

• Accurately reflect building performance.
• Support strategic asset planning.
• Strengthen your position with occupiers, funders, and regulators

At Inteb, we regularly see the risks that come from rushed, low-cost assessments. That’s why our team of accredited assessors takes a forensic approach to each EPC, ensuring it stands up to scrutiny and supports long-term asset management decisions.

As MEES evolves, now is the time to review your EPCs. Are they accurate? Are they recent? Do they reflect current building use and systems?

What Is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal document that provides an energy efficiency rating for a building, ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It includes:

• A numeric energy efficiency score
• Details about energy use and emissions
• Recommended improvements to raise the rating
• A validity period of 10 years from the date of issue

In the UK, commercial EPCs are required whenever a building is built, sold or let. They must be carried out by an accredited energy assessor.

What Are the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)?

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were introduced under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) Regulations 2015. These regulations make it unlawful to let most non-domestic buildings with an EPC rating below E, unless a valid exemption is registered.

MEES requirements apply to:

• All new and renewed leases from April 2018
• All existing commercial leases from April 2023

Failure to comply may result in penalties of up to £150,000, as well as loss of rental income or restrictions on lease renewals.

How EPC Ratings Affect MEES Compliance and Asset Value

EPCs are more than just a compliance checkbox. Done poorly, they can directly erode building value and limit strategic options.

Here’s how low-quality, assumption-based EPCs can damage your portfolio:

• Depressed asset value – Poor ratings reduce investor confidence and marketability
• Restricted letting – Non-compliance with MEES can legally block lease renewals or new tenants
• Inflated upgrade costs – Default assumptions often exaggerate the need for costly improvements
• Funding and refinancing risks – Poor EPCs can result in unfavourable lending terms
• Lost occupier appeal – ESG-conscious tenants avoid inefficient buildings
• Reputation risk – Managing agents seen to oversee low-performing assets risks client dissatisfaction

Solution: Commission accurate, site-specific EPCs to unlock the best possible ratings and avoid unnecessary costs. It’s an investment, not an overhead.

When Do You Need a New EPC?

Although EPCs are valid for 10 years, there are several reasons you may need to commission a new one sooner:

• If you have carried out significant building improvements
• If your current EPC is about to expire
• If you are planning to let or sell the property
• If you suspect the current rating is inaccurate
• If preparing for a MEES risk assessment

A new EPC may also reflect efficiency upgrades and allow you to demonstrate compliance.

What Properties Are Affected by MEES?

MEES applies to nearly all commercial properties in England and Wales that are let under a lease. This includes:

• Offices and retail units
• Warehouses and logistics hubs
• Industrial estates
• Leisure facilities and hospitality venues
• Mixed-use buildings with commercial elements

Certain exceptions exist, such as listed buildings or short-term leases under six months. However, all exceptions must be recorded formally.

How to Improve an EPC Rating

Improving a building’s energy efficiency can raise its EPC rating and ensure MEES compliance. Common upgrade measures include:

• LED lighting and daylight controls
• High-efficiency heating and cooling systems
• Improved insulation of walls, roofs and floors
• Advanced building management systems (BMS)
• Glazing upgrades or solar control film
• Renewable energy installations, such as solar PV

Inteb provides upgrade assessments as part of our MEES compliance services.

EPC improvements help a national property management company achieve MEES compliance across retail and office spaces.

Case Study:

A national managing agent responsible for a portfolio of 120 commercial assets on behalf of institutional investors approached Inteb to review and reassess their EPC ratings in light of tightening MEES regulations and increased ESG scrutiny.

Many certificates were outdated, produced using generic defaults, or lacked the detail now expected by investors, lenders, and occupiers. Several high-profile buildings showed EPC ratings of E or below — putting lease renewals and long-term asset value at risk.

Inteb delivered a portfolio-wide EPC audit and re-survey programme, which included:

• Site visits to assess plant, building fabric and lighting systems
• Replacement of default assumptions with measured, site-specific data
• Identification of low-cost efficiency upgrades to improve ratings — including LED lighting, control system adjustments and BMS optimisation

The results were significant:

• 68% of buildings improved their EPC rating, with many moving from an E to a D or C
• Four key assets cleared for lease renewal after previously facing MEES compliance issues
• Stronger asset valuations and improved access to funding were secured
• The client delivered more accurate ESG data to stakeholders and enhanced investor confidence

Key takeaway: A proactive EPC strategy not only secured compliance, but unlocked wider commercial benefits across the portfolio.

EPCs and Future MEES Regulations

The government has signalled its intention to tighten MEES thresholds in the coming years. Proposals suggest that:

• Minimum EPC ratings may rise to C by 2027
• A further rise to B may follow by 2030
• Failing to comply may result in restrictions on finance or property disposal

Now is the time for property owners to review their portfolios and plan for future compliance. Early action reduces risk and avoids reactive spending.

Need help understanding your EPC? #justaskceejay – your guide to Commercial EPC support.

Why Work with Inteb?

• We provide MEES risk assessments and EPC improvement roadmaps
• We deliver fast, reliable assessments across the UK

Accuracy that protects value

• We don’t cut corners. Our EPCs are produced by experienced, accredited professionals who conduct thorough site surveys — avoiding default assumptions that can drag your rating (and asset value) down.

Unlock the best possible EPC ratings

• We focus on what’s really there: the plant, the lighting, the building fabric — not what software assumes is there. That attention to detail often unlocks better ratings without major capital spend.

Portfolio insight, not just paperwork

• We don’t just produce certificates — we provide strategic insight across your entire portfolio: where to improve, how to phase investment, and how to avoid compliance risk before it becomes urgent.

MEES and ESG compliance, futureproofed

• We stay ahead of regulation. As MEES tightens and ESG reporting grows, we help you stay compliant, attract occupiers, and protect asset liquidity in a market that’s only getting more selective.

Trusted by major landlords and agents

• With nearly two decades of experience, we’re a long-standing partner to commercial landlords, managing agents, and institutional investors — delivering measurable value and peace of mind.

• We support exemption applications when appropriate

We aim to protect your investment, reduce your energy exposure and ensure legal confidence.

Book Your EPC Assessment Today

Inteb gives you EPCs that hold up to scrutiny, support stronger valuations, and help you stay compliant — now and into the future.

Now’s the time to review your EPC portfolio before MEES changes take effect, and there will be a mad rush for quality assessors.