What is MEES and EPC?
MEES and EPC refer to the UK Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for let property and the Energy Performance Certificates they rely on. In England and Wales, landlords of commercial property generally cannot let a building with an EPC rating below E unless a valid exemption is registered.
What it is
An Energy Performance Certificate rates a building's energy efficiency from A to G, based on a standardized assessment by an accredited energy assessor. It reflects the building's fabric and services, not how it is actually operated.
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, introduced by regulations in 2015, set a minimum EPC rating for privately rented property. For non-domestic property in England and Wales, the minimum is E. The government has consulted on raising the minimum, so check the current rule before planning.
Who it applies to / where it is used
MEES applies to landlords of privately rented commercial and residential property in England and Wales. Commercial property owners, asset managers and tenants all have an interest, since a low rating can affect lettability and value. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate arrangements.
How it is measured / what evidence it needs
The EPC itself is produced by an accredited assessor. Owners use operational data to choose improvements and show they worked.
- A valid EPC for the property
- Records of improvements made and their cost
- Registered exemptions where they apply
- Measured operating performance to support the improvement plan
How Aqueduct helps
Verified efficiency improvements support the EPC pathway on existing stock. The assessor issues the certificate; Aqueduct supplies measured performance.
- Metered energy use by building and system to target the improvements that matter
- Before and after verification of each measure through aQ EnergySmart
- Fault detection that keeps upgraded systems performing as rated
- Portfolio views for asset managers tracking ratings across holdings