Improving Your EPC Rating: A Guide to Our MEES Sheet

At Future Building, we know how important it is to improve your building’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, whether to comply with regulations or boost energy efficiency. We offer a detailed MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) sheet to assist our clients. This document lays out the steps you need to take to make energy improvements, helping you make informed decisions.

Here’s a closer look at how our MEES sheet works and how it can benefit you:

What is the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES)?

MEES, or Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, is a UK government regulation implemented in 2018 designed to improve the energy performance of commercially rented properties. The primary objective is to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency, particularly in buildings with lower ratings.

To comply with MEES, all commercially rented properties must possess an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above. The EPC, valid for ten years, must be updated when it expires, the tenancy is renewed, or the property is sold. If a property’s EPC rating falls below E, a qualified assessor must conduct a MEES assessment to identify necessary improvements.

MEES provides property owners valuable data to inform their decision-making regarding energy efficiency upgrades. By understanding the data, owners can implement cost-effective solutions to improve their EPC rating, ultimately saving money and reducing their carbon footprint.

Understanding Our MEES Sheet

Our two-page report offers a clear and concise overview of MEES, designed to simplify complex energy efficiency data for landlords. We’ve streamlined the information, making it easy to understand, particularly for those new to the regulations.

On the first page, we present technical details such as potential energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh), annual savings in tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and the total savings over 7 years in pounds (£). Using our advanced software, we can generate personalised recommendations to deliver a bespoke service for our clients, allowing them to achieve the highest possible rating and the most cost-effective solution.

The second page outlines the measures required to achieve the desired EPC rating. We provide clear guidelines for each measure, for example, insulation thickness or LED lighting specifications, to ensure compliance. It’s important to note that the MEES improvements are cumulative. All recommended measures must be implemented to reach the desired rating at the final measure. To streamline the process, we also provide information on collecting evidence of completed works, such as dated images, invoices, and system specifications. By providing this information upfront, landlords can avoid additional costs and delays associated with on-site inspections.

The Benefits of Our MEES Sheet

1. Bespoke Solutions Based on Data

Our MEES sheet isn’t just a list of recommendations; it results from careful analysis. Using software like Design-Builder, we explore different scenarios to find the most efficient ways to reach your desired EPC rating. Whether that involves adding insulation or upgrading to LED lighting, we calculate potential energy savings (in kWh) and estimate the payback period, typically over 7 years. For example, installing energy-efficient lighting can significantly reduce electricity usage, helping you meet your EPC target while cutting costs.

2. Energy and Financial Savings

We provide detailed financial projections for each recommended improvement. By calculating potential monetary savings over seven years, we help clients identify the most viable measures to reduce energy costs and enhance their EPC rating. For example, if installing a split A/C system is necessary, we’ll show how long it will take to recover the investment through energy savings. This is a vital part of the process in giving our clients clarity on financial costs and savings.

3. Clear Improvement Guide

The second page of our MEES sheet provides detailed descriptions of each recommended measure, including specific implementation instructions. This might include adding 25mm of insulation to warehouse walls or replacing outdated lighting with LEDs that meet a particular efficiency standard.

4. Collecting Evidence for Compliance

Improving your EPC rating isn’t just about completing the work; we’ll also need to provide evidence that the changes have been made. Our MEES sheet explains exactly what evidence is needed, such as invoices or photos of installations. Once the improvements are completed, we ask our clients to send us the evidence they have collected. This is to reduce costs and waiting times from the implications of a site revisit.

Why Choose Our MEES Sheet?

Our MEES sheet offers a step-by-step approach to improving your building’s energy performance. It helps you comply with MEES regulations while maximising your return on investment through energy savings. Whether you’re a property owner or manager, this tool simplifies the process and ensures you can track progress and achieve your goals.