The Commercial Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard

Commercial buildings are now obligated to comply with a new regulation implemented by the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES). This is done by obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that has the minimum of a “C” rating by 2028 which is needed for landlords to continue to let their property. Facility management is at the forefront of leading this vital change in support of optimising energy efficiency and performance within commercial properties.

Achieving an EPC of “C” Rating

To achieve an EPC rating of “C,” a building must score between 69 and 80 points on the Standard Assessment Procedure. The assessment identifies how energy efficient a building is and will put forward recommendations for areas of improvement, enabling businesses to succeed in achieving a higher EPC standard. Facility management is instrumental in working towards achieving a highly scored EPC and aligning with London’s commitment to sustainable practices in commercial construction.

How Can EPC Ratings be Improved?

It is now easier than ever to become more energy efficient with new innovations and leading technologies that offer more sustainable and cost-effective strategies for implementing action plans that decrease the high energy consumption of commercial buildings. However, it is sometimes about taking a step back and tackling the basics:

• Checking the Building Infrastructure: There should be no gaps or weaknesses in the building’s infrastructure. Make sure any cavities have been repaired should they be found. It is important to prevent air from inside the building escaping, as well as protecting the inside of the building from draught. This will decrease the use of central heating and air conditioning, which is great for increasing energy efficiency, not only does it reduce environmental impact, but it is also cost-effective too.

• Bringing Boilers up to Date: A building’s heating system is a critical part of the EPC evaluation; any outdated HVAC systems are going to be a drain on energy efficiency. New commercial condenser boilers can achieve up to 97% efficiency compared to cast iron boilers that only reach up to 50% efficiency. Not only do modern boilers increase your EPC rating, but they are also more cost-effective due to lower running costs and the improved efficiency. Updating a building’s HVAC system is critical for improving energy management and one of the most pivotal implementations on this list.

• Invest in Automation. Invest in Thermostats: Thermostats are an excellent way to improve energy efficiency and rank highly in EPC evaluations. A programmable thermostat can control the temperature automatically, therefore helping to improve temperature regulation of any building. It improves both HVAC efficiency and EPC rating.

• Light Your Way to a Brighter EPC Rating: Having the correct lighting is fundamental in lowering energy consumption. It is recommended that many buildings make the switch to LED. These run at a much lower cost and their additional controls mean that the building isn’t lighting empty spaces. Modernised solutions like LED lighting use 60% less energy to power. Therefore, lowering any commercial building’s energy consumption; their extended lifespan also reduces cost.

• Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM): To keep any system working to its optimum in energy efficiency, it is a good idea to practice regular monitoring and maintenance to prevent inefficient practices. It is recommended to introduce a Building Management System (BMS) to allow external monitoring that ensures operational efficiency of building systems. If there is a fault in the system, it will be easy to assess and diagnose before having a detrimental impact on the building’s energy efficiency.

 

Real World Example: As part of Artic’s partnership with BMA House, during our engineers PPM they made significant improvements in the installation of lagged pipe work in all plant rooms therefore helping to reduce heat loss and energy usage.

 

Achieving Improved Energy Efficiency Through Partnership with Artic Zero

Working to improve energy efficiency in all areas can be difficult, but a worthwhile goal for any business. Artic Zero is representative of our own effort to helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint and achieve the EPC rating that they need through both facilities and energy management. If you need help identifying where your business can improve its EPC rating, start with Artic Zero to strategise your plan and improve your EPC rating.

Artic Building Services are working in partnership with businesses to remain compliant with governmental standards and guidelines so that together, everyone can strive towards a becoming carbon neutral and get closer every day to Net Zero.

 

Want to get in touch?

Ready to achieve an EPC of “C” grade or above? Start the conversation with Artic and our experts to begin a partnership in reducing energy consumption and implementing cost-effective solutions for your business.

Contact our energy management team today to begin your sustainable journey in becoming more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. Start the discussion now.