The Government has confirmed that all privately rented non-domestic buildings will need to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band B by 2030 and are seeking views on a proposed framework to implement and enforce this requirement.
An EPC is required whenever a building is built, sold or rented and The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations previously set a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) of EPC Band E for non-domestic private rented properties.
In 2019 the Government published a consultation on a proposed future regulatory target for the non-domestic private rented sector of EPC B by 2030. This was widely supported by consultees and the Government confirmed in the Energy White Paper that this would be the energy efficiency standard required for non-domestic private rented buildings by 2030.
Stakeholder responses to the 2019 consultation raised concerns with how existing minimum energy efficiency standards have been implemented and enforced, and the challenges in delivering this in practice. The Government are now seeking views on a proposed framework to improve the implementation and enforcement of the EPC B by 2030 requirement through a new consultation. The proposed framework aims to ensure that the policy is deliverable in practice through simplifying the compliance process and strengthening enforcement, which will require legislative changes to reflect how industry and local authorities operate in reality.
The full 2021 consultation is available to view on the gov.uk website and will close at 11.45pm on 9th June. Responses to the consultation can be submitted online here.
The Compliance People will keep you up to date with any potential changes to legislation or duties for businesses and organisations resulting from the consultation.
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