The Government has delayed environmental rules requiring commercial landlords to achieve energy efficiencies in buildings, with five years to meet the new standards while exempting smaller properties.

As a result of its consultation, DESNZ has reduced the strict measures of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in England and Wales.

Owners of commercial offices and industrial properties larger than 1,000 square metres now have until 2031 to meet the targets, where ‘cost effective’ with interim targets of needing to reach an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2027 ditched. The intention is for buildings below 1,000 square metres to continue to be subject to the current minimum standard of EPC E.

However, landlords must still reach an EPC B rating by 2031.

The changes to raise MEES to EPC B for larger buildings will only take effect following the successful passage of secondary legislation through Parliament.

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