MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) is a set of legal regulations introduced under the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. It requires most commercial properties to meet a minimum EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of E before they can be legally let.

Key compliance dates:

• 1 April 2018 – MEES applied to all new leases
• 1 April 2023 – MEES extended to existing leases

Failure to comply could result in enforcement action, civil penalties of up to £150,000, and reputational damage.

Many buildings can reach a compliant rating (E or better) through relatively simple interventions:

• Upgrading lighting to LED systems – significantly improves energy efficiency with minimal disruption
• Improving insulation or draught proofing – particularly for roof spaces, doors, and windows
• Replacing inefficient electric heaters or boilers with more modern, energy-efficient units
• Installing or upgrading time clocks, thermostats, and zoning to match energy use with occupancy better
• Decommissioning outdated or oversized plant – that negatively impacts EPC ratings
• Adjusting EPC inputs – by evidencing existing fabric or system improvements that may not be accounted for in the current certificate
• On-site renewables and low-carbon alternatives

These examples demonstrate how compliance doesn’t always require major capital investment. In many cases, targeted upgrades can improve your EPC rating quickly and cost-effectively.

We assess ROI, payback periods and carbon reduction impact for each option, ensuring any capital investment delivers long-term value.

A major UK property company engaged Inteb to assess MEES compliance risk across its London-based commercial office portfolio. With regulatory deadlines and lease events approaching, the client needed detailed modelling to identify non-compliant assets and forecast the impact of potential upgrades. Inteb’s energy specialists conducted MEES risk assessments, reviewed EPCs, and created modelling reports to simulate various improvement scenarios. We recommended cost-effective upgrades and coordinated with asset, building, and engineering teams to minimise disruption. Despite tight timescales, we delivered a clear roadmap for compliance, improved EPC ratings, and supported capital planning. This project showcases how proactive MEES modelling helps landlords reduce risk, enhance asset performance, and comply with evolving energy efficiency standards.

Client Feedback:
“Inteb’s MEES modelling helped us make informed decisions, fast. Their ability to work flexibly with our team and deliver practical solutions under pressure made them a valuable partner.”