Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations were introduced by the government in 2018.

The regulations were introduced to:

• improve the quality of privately rented buildings in England and Wales
• increase the energy efficiency of the worst performing homes and buildings
• improve the comfort and conditions in privately rented homes
• reduce fuel poverty

in domestic privately rented properties.

Historic buildings, listed buildings and buildings within conservation areas are exempt if 'compliance with the minimum energy requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance'.

This is not a blanket exemption. Even if a building is protected, it may still be possible to make improvements, where the character or appearance of the building will not be altered.

Unacceptable alterations in most listed buildings would include:

• double glazing
• new doors and windows
• external wall insulation
• external boiler flues

However, there are many other, more low impact, measures which may be acceptable. It is your responsibility to make sure that any works may or may not be permitted. We recommend that you seek advice via our our pre-application advice service.

If you decide to apply for exemption, you will need to provide evidence that:

• all recommended measures on your energy performance certificate would unacceptably alter the character or appearance of the building
• none of the recommended measures could have been carried out to improve the energy efficiency of the building