Bluebeam explores how new energy efficiency regulations such as MEES are changing the way landlords and owners are approaching their buildings
From 1 April 2023, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for non-domestic buildings has come into effect, making it unlawful to lease a commercial property with an energy rating of F or G.
It has been illegal to establish or extend a new lease for a commercial building with an energy rating less than E since April 2018. Now, this requirement also applies in the middle of a commercial lease.
Despite these regulations and the five-year lead time to improve the energy ratings of commercial buildings, less than a third of businesses know how energy efficient their office space is.
Commercial energy assessments and EPCs will now be necessary to ensure compliance
To comply with the law, a commercial energy assessment is now required for any non-domestic building.
Remedial action will be required if the owner cannot prove that their building meets the minimum standards.
The energy efficiency of a building needs to be assessed to prepare an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is now mandatory to market or rent a building.
These certificates are valid for 10 years and must be obtained from an approved commercial energy assessor.
As the UK continues to reduce operational carbon emissions and seek new ways to achieve energy-efficient construction, the government is expected to legislate for an EPC minimum of B by 2030 for non-domestic buildings.
However, figures from 2022 show that in London just 25% of all non-domestic buildings currently meet EPC B. This confirms that a huge amount of work must be done to meet the 2030 energy rating target.
What are the legal requirements for residential properties?
The comparable MEES regulations for privately rented residential properties have been in place since April 2020, with a requirement for landlords to ensure their building meets a minimum of EPC E by that date.
By 2025, new private domestic rentals will need to meet a minimum of EPC C, expanding to all domestic rentals by 2028.
Using technology to meet changing energy efficiency regulations in construction
As the deadline to meet these targets swiftly approaches, it is imperative that owners and landlords understand their built assets and ensure that they are fit for purpose under the new rules.
With a legal duty to understand the energy rating of their buildings, whether domestic or commercial, the need for widespread energy assessments to plug this knowledge gap has never been greater.
A qualified energy assessor needs quick and easy access to the right information to undertake a comprehensive and accurate energy assessment.
That’s where Bluebeam comes in. Assessors can easily review building plans and check key areas that influence energy performance, such as:
- Overall square metres
- Number, size and type of doors
- Number and size of windows
- Glazing type
- Heating and cooling systems
- Lighting and appliances
- Wall insulation type and thickness
- Roof and floor insulation type and thickness
With Bluebeam, energy assessors can quickly mark up plans to provide a clear overview of the building’s fabric before the energy calculations are carried out.
Bluebeam makes organising the retrofit process easier
Recommendations can then be made to improve the EPC rating of the building, with notes and checklists saved against drawings.
These could include interventions such as adding better insulation, or installing lower-energy lighting, new windows or doors.
For buildings requiring a substantial overhaul, a retrofit coordinator can advise and project manage the entire retrofit process, from on-site inspection through to collaborative design with the wider project team.
To learn how construction software can help you manage your built assets, download Bluebeam’s ebook, Four ways Construction Tech Can Help Manage and Maintain Your Buildings.
