Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) set the minimum energy performance a commercial property must achieve before it can legally be let. Currently, the minimum standard is EPC E.
Manufacturers who own their premises, and landlords of industrial and commercial property, need to understand what has changed and why acting now is important.
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New EPC B requirement confirmed for larger commercial buildings from 2031 On 18 June 2026, the UK Government confirmed that all privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000 square metres in England and Wales will need to achieve an EPC B rating by 2031, where cost-effective. |
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) set the minimum energy performance a commercial property must achieve before it can legally be let. Currently, the minimum standard is EPC E.
BUT from 2031, that bar rises significantly for larger buildings.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a building's energy efficiency from A, the most efficient, to G, the least. The jump from the current minimum of E to the proposed new minimum of B is substantial. For many buildings, particularly older industrial and manufacturing premises, it will require meaningful investment in insulation, heating systems, and other energy efficiency measures.
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THE SCALE OF THE CHALLENGE Industry analysis of non-domestic EPC certificates lodged in 2026 found that industrial property recorded the highest concentration of lower-rated buildings, with nearly 70% of assets assessed below EPC B. For manufacturers who own their premises, this suggests the majority of industrial buildings will need meaningful investment to reach the new standard. |
The removal of the 2027 interim milestone may feel like welcome breathing room. It is not.
For buildings that currently sit well below EPC B, the gap to the new standard is likely to require a combination of measures. None of these are quick fixes.
Assessment, design, procurement, and installation all take time. For manufacturing sites where production continuity is critical, the logistics of retrofit works need careful planning to minimise disruption. Organisations that begin assessing their buildings now will have the flexibility to phase investment sensibly, align works with planned maintenance cycles, and spread capital expenditure over several years.
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THE COMMERCIAL CASE BEYOND COMPLIANCE Buildings that improve their EPC rating are also likely to benefit from lower energy bills, reduced exposure to volatile energy prices, and stronger asset values. The Government has estimated that tenants in larger non-domestic buildings could save up to £360 million per year in energy costs collectively by 2031. For manufacturers running energy-intensive processes, the savings from a better-insulated, more efficiently heated building are a direct contribution to operating cost reduction. |
The specific works required depend on the building's current rating, age, construction type, and how it is used. For manufacturing and industrial premises, improvements typically focus on the building fabric and the systems that consume the most energy. Common areas identified through energy assessments include roof and wall insulation, heating system upgrades, improved building controls, and lighting.
The starting point is always understanding where energy is actually being used and where the biggest gains are available. Without accurate data, it is difficult to prioritise investment or make the case for individual measures under the seven-year payback test. A structured energy assessment, backed by sub-metering where needed, gives you the evidence to make those decisions with confidence.
Pro Enviro has over 30 years of experience helping energy-intensive manufacturers reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. We carry out detailed site energy reviews, identify the most cost-effective improvement measures, and provide the data foundation needed to plan and prioritise investment.