Energy Efficiency Rating

Key takeaways

• An energy efficiency rating is an A–G grade summarising how energy-efficient a building (or product) is.
• For commercial property, the rating comes from the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).
• Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), commercial landlords face restrictions on letting properties below certain ratings.

What is an energy efficiency rating?

An energy efficiency rating is a banded score (typically A for most efficient down to G for least) that summarises the energy performance of a building or appliance.

For UK commercial property, the rating appears on the building’s EPC. The grade is calculated from the building fabric, heating, lighting and ventilation systems, and is benchmarked against a notional reference building.

Why it matters for businesses

Under MEES rules, it has become unlawful for landlords to let commercial premises below a minimum EPC rating, with the bar continuing to rise.

For occupiers, a poor rating is usually a flag that there’s real upside in an energy audit and a structured energy reduction strategy.

Sources

1. GOV.UK — Find an energy certificate (EPC register)
2. GOV.UK — Energy Performance Certificates collection
3. GOV.UK — Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)