For those who may not be aware, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were introduced back in 2018 to ensure that commercial properties meet certain energy efficiency requirements. This was part of a wider effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
As of April 1st 2023, there have been some important changes made to these standards. Firstly, the minimum energy rating required for commercial properties has been raised from an E to a D. This means that any properties currently rated F or G will need to take action to improve their energy efficiency in order to comply with the new regulations.
So, what can you do if your commercial property is affected by these changes? The good news is that there are several steps you can take to improve your energy rating and ensure that you are meeting the new standards.
One of the first things you should consider is carrying out an energy assessment of your property. This will help you to identify areas where improvements can be made, such as installing more energy-efficient lighting, improving insulation, or upgrading your heating and cooling systems.
Once you have identified these areas, you can start to make changes to your property to improve its energy efficiency. This may involve investing in new equipment or making structural changes to your building, but the long-term savings on your energy bills can make these costs worthwhile.
Another option to consider is applying for an energy efficiency grant. There are several government schemes available that can help you to fund energy-saving improvements to your property, and these can be a great way to offset some of the initial costs involved.
It’s also worth noting that failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and other penalties, so it’s important to take action sooner rather than later if your property is affected.
If you’re unsure about the new regulations or how they might affect you as a landlord or tenant, our team of legal experts is here to help. We can provide guidance and support to ensure that you are meeting all of your legal obligations and making the most of the opportunities available to you.
How to get help
At Johnson and Boon we specialise in a range of commercial property services that can be tailored to suit your requirements. Simply contact a member of our team for a chat on 0151 637 2034, email info@johnsonandboon.co.uk or use the contact us form on our website.