News
19 Jun 2026
The government has published its latest update on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the non domestic private rented sector, bringing stricter energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings across England and Wales.
Under the updated proposal, privately rented non domestic buildings over 1,000m² will be expected to achieve an EPC rating of B by 2031.
Smaller properties, under 1,000m², will continue to be subject to the current minimum standard of EPC E.
The interim milestone of an EPC rating of a C by 2027 has been removed, providing organisations with greater flexibility in how the 2031 target will be met.
EPC ratings measure building energy efficiency on a scale from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is the least efficient.
For organisations, accelerating from the current E rating to a B rating can deliver several benefits:
The government says the policy is expected to deliver up to £360 million per year in energy bill savings for tenants, while reducing carbon emissions and improving energy security.
At Zenergi, we see this policy as part of a broader evolution in how organisations manage energy, estates and risk.
Leigh McGarry, Zenergi’s Director of Engineering, commented, “The move to EPC B is a natural next step as the government seeks to accelerate towards net zero 2050, but it represents a fundamental shift for many organisations. This is no longer about making minimum improvements, it’s about rethinking how buildings are operated and optimised over the long term.”
It reflects a broader trend: energy efficiency is becoming embedded in financial, operational and ESG decision making, rather than treated as a one off obligation. Zenergi’s Carbon Compliance Manager, Darren Myers, added:
Improving a building’s EPC rating is one of the most tangible ways organisations can reduce energy use and future proof their estates. The organisations that benefit most from these changes will be those that act early. With the right data and planning, EPC improvements can be timed to align with existing investment plans, minimising disruption and maximising return.”
Darren Myers
Carbon Compliance Manager
Zenergi has already supported organisations in taking proactive steps toward improved building performance. In our work with Reading Borough Council, we helped deliver a structured, data driven approach to energy efficiency improvements across their estate.
By combining technical insight, energy analysis and strategic planning, the project enabled the council to:
This demonstrates how a planned, portfolio wide approach can turn compliance into measurable outcomes, supporting both financial savings and sustainability ambitions.
Although 2031 may seem like plenty of time, achieving an EPC rating of B can require significant upgrades, planning and investment, particularly for organisations meeting the current minimum of EPC E. Early action will provide the greatest flexibility and value.
Understand your existing EPC ratings and identify buildings at risk of non compliance.
Identify the most cost effective upgrades, from lighting and HVAC systems to fabric improvements and renewable technologies.
Integrate energy upgrades into planned refurbishments, lease events and capital expenditure programmes.
Treat EPC compliance as part of a wider roadmap that includes carbon reduction, cost management and resilience.
Zenergi supports organisations at every stage of the EPC improvement journey, combining compliance expertise with strategic energy management.
EPC assessments and compliance: Zenergi provides a comprehensive EPC assessments and certification service, ensuring buildings meet regulatory requirements and are prepared for future changes.
Identifying cost-effective improvements: The proposal indicates that only viable upgrades are required. Through modelling and analysis, Zenergi helps clients identify and prioritise the upgrades that will deliver the greatest impact on EPC ratings and energy costs.
Integrated compliance and energy strategy: By connecting MEES, EPCs and wider schemes such as ESOS, Zenergi delivers a joined up compliance approach, reducing complexity and unlocking efficiencies and offering a competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace.
Commercial Property Compliance Pack: We have packaged our MEES service alongside complementary services into a Commercial Property Compliance Pack, designed to help property owners protect asset value, reduce risk, and stay compliant. By combining MEES, EPCs and TM44 air conditioning inspections, organisations can streamline administration while improving building performance.
Contact us today for expert support and a clear strategy to help you achieve an EPC B rating by 2031.
Get in touchPrivately rented non domestic buildings over 1,000m² must achieve an EPC rating of B by 2031.
Early planning will be key to reducing compliance risk, protecting asset value and aligning energy efficiency improvements with wider cost-saving and net zero strategies.
