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The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) set the minimum energy performance a property must meet before it can be legally let in England and Wales. The aim is to improve the energy efficiency of the nation’s building stock and help the UK reach its net zero targets.
For non-domestic (commercial) buildings, the current rules make it unlawful for landlords to grant or continue a lease on a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G unless a valid exemption is in place.
However, the government has long signalled that these standards will tighten over time, moving towards much higher minimum EPC ratings for let commercial buildings. Yet, as of late 2025, the future trajectory of the MEES remains unclear.
Below is a summary of what we know so far.
Non-domestic MEES timeline and policy milestones
- 2020 – Government confirms intention to tighten MEES
The Conservative government’s Energy White Paper (2020) confirmed that the future trajectory for the non-domestic MEES would require buildings to reach EPC band B by 2030.
- 2021 – Consultation on the next phase of MEES
In March 2021, BEIS (now the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, DESNZ) launched a consultation on how to implement this EPC B by 2030 requirement.
It proposed a phased approach, introducing an interim milestone of EPC C by 2027, before tightening to EPC B by 2030.
- February 2024 – Reports of a revised interim milestone
In early 2024, some trade and property media outlets including The Intermediary and Mortgage Solutions reported that the EPC C interim milestone may be pushed back to 2028. No formal confirmation has been provided on the government website.
- 2024–2025 – Still awaiting the government response
Meanwhile, the response to the 2021 consultation has not yet been published. The current government has indicated it intends to release the response in early 2025 (source: the government’s response to the most recent Climate Change Committee Progress Report).
- June 2025 – Industry commentary still expects EPC B by 2030
A CBRE article (June 2025) notes that the MEES consultation response is still expected by the end of 2025, and that it is likely the 2030 EPC B deadline will be set at least a year after 2030 but not later than 2035. This keeps the target in line with recommendations in the Seventh Carbon Budget. There is no mention of an interim deadline.
Where things stand now
In conclusion, industry commentators expect DESNZ to confirm the next phase of the non-domestic MEES before the end of 2025, likely reaffirming the EPC B goal. The EPC B deadline is still unclear, but likely between 2030 and 2035.
Whether the interim EPC C milestone will remain part of the framework is also still unclear.
For now, the best course of action for commercial landlords is to continue investing in energy efficiency improvements where possible, prioritising properties rated D or E.
This is not to be confused with the domestic MEES regulations, which affect landlords and tenants of domestic private-rented properties.
We will keep an eye on any MEES updates from the government, so check back on the Energy Advice Hub for updates.
If you’d like to find out how Sustainable Energy First can help improve the EPC rating of your building for MEES compliance, get in touch. We can determine your current EPC rating and identify energy performance improvements to bring your rating up to the required standard, with fully visible cost and ROI.
