Future-proofing Reading Borough Council’s commercial properties to comply with 2030 energy efficiency targets.

Corporate action on climate change is one of three pillars of Reading Borough Council’s climate policy. With Zenergi’s help, its 52 commercial properties were issued with Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in adherence with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES). Practical improvement recommendations are also now in place towards 2030.

A team effort

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) aims to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s building stock. The current minimum standard is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E which shifts to C by 2027 and B by 2030. Focused on reducing emissions, Reading Borough Council wanted to ensure its commercial property portfolio adhered to the current standard, as well as having the knowledge needed to plan any improvements required to meet the more stringent requirements set for the years ahead.

But such a resource-intensive exercise needed expert help. The council turned to Zenergi.

Making an impact

We delivered commercial EPCs for 52 properties in Reading Borough Council’s portfolio, including offices, shops, community centres and sports facilities. This involved site surveys at each building before providing the council with the relevant EPC and MEES reports.

Importantly, whenever an EPC rating lower than B was identified, Zenergi provided an additional MEES Asset Rating Optimisation Report.

How does this help? It means the council has clear recommendations on the steps needed to improve the rating, so buildings can meet the more stringent requirements needed in both 2027 and 2030.

Driving results

Taking action to comply with MEES sooner rather than later means Reading Borough Council is reducing the risk of its commercial assets decreasing in value. Leveraging Zenergi’s clear recommendations, the council can now strategically consider the financial and practical viability of any installations needed to fall in line with the higher energy efficiency standards to come.

If you’re interested in ensuring your organisation’s buildings meet the evolving energy efficiency standards, why not find out exactly how it can be done? We’ll even show you how this can be achieved to support your wider net zero strategy.