MEES Future Targets: EPC B by 2031 for Larger Buildings
Written by Scott Jones, founder of CommercialPropertyKiln · Last updated
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The future direction of MEES for commercial property has been widely misreported. This is what has actually been decided and what is still only proposed.
What was decided in June 2026
On 18 June 2026 the government (DESNZ) published its interim response to the earlier consultations on tightening non-domestic MEES. The key points:
- Privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000 square metres would need to reach EPC B by 2031, where cost-effective.
- Buildings under 1,000 square metres stay on the current EPC E minimum, with no set date for going further.
- This is a policy intention, not law. The government's own statement is clear that it will only take effect once secondary legislation passes through Parliament.
What was withdrawn
The previously proposed interim targets of EPC C by 2027 and EPC B by 2030 have been dropped. There is no requirement to hit EPC C by 2027 in any form. A great deal of older guidance still repeats these withdrawn dates, so treat any such content with caution.
What a landlord should do now
If you hold larger commercial assets that could fall within the 2031 proposal, the sensible steps are: check your EPCs are current, model what it would take to reach EPC B using the seven-year payback framework, and track the secondary legislation rather than acting on the withdrawn dates. Our MEES upgrade calculator can help you weigh the cost against void and penalty risk. See also the law reform tracker.
Is EPC B by 2031 the law?
No. EPC B by 2031 for buildings over 1,000 square metres is announced, not law, and needs secondary legislation. Buildings under 1,000 square metres stay at EPC E.
Were EPC C by 2027 and B by 2030 dropped?
Yes, both were withdrawn. A lot of older guidance still repeats those dates, but they no longer apply.