Energy Performance Certificates and MEES

With the provision of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Scheme in 2018 came several challenges to property landlords to bring their building up to the minimum EPC rating standard before it could be let.  Many properties already achieve an E rating or better, but many older light industrial units often struggle to achieve the minimum standard even after all the simple improvements to lighting hot water systems and heating have been incorporated to the calculation.

Brear Associates approach all EPC’s where the property is to be let by assessing and producing a draft EPC initially.  Where the minimum standard cannot be achieved then we look for improvements to the building fabric that can be implemented to achieve the necessary improvements.  The regulations lay out a seven-year payback period for any improvement.  We develop an analysis table of improvements to show whether each will improve the rating on its own or as a suite and whether the improvements pass that seven-year payback.

Where a building cannot be improved then a Landlord can apply for an exemption from the regulation however, they must be able to show they have completed the relevant economic tests.