MEES 2027: What energy managers need to know – and how building optimisation can help
If you're managing energy across a commercial property portfolio, MEES compliance is becoming increasingly critical. In this blog, we explain how energy managers can take practical steps to improve EPC ratings, reduce operational costs, and prepare for the upcoming MEES 2027 milestone — all through
remote building optimisation.
What is MEES 2027 and why does it matter for commercial buildings?
MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) regulations are part of the Energy Act 2011, enforced by Local Trading Standards under policy guidance from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Since April 2023, it’s unlawful to lease a commercial property with an EPC rating lower than E unless an exemption applies.
What’s coming in 2027 and 2030?
The government plans to raise the bar significantly:
- By 1st April 2027, all commercial properties will be required to achieve a minimum rating of C, unless they meet specific exemption conditions or can demonstrate that all possible energy improvements have been made.
- By 2030, properties are expected to meet a minimum EPC rating of B.
These changes will affect thousands of UK commercial buildings — including many currently sitting at EPC D or E.
What are the consequences of MEES non-compliance?
Energy managers have a pivotal role to play in mitigating risk. Failure to comply with MEES may result in significant fines, stranded assets that can’t be leased or refinanced, decreased asset value and performance, as well as ESG reporting risks tied to the business’ sustainability and carbon goals.
How energy managers can lead the MEES compliance strategy
For many buildings, remote optimisation is the most cost-effective way to start improving EPC performance. It doesn’t require disruptive retrofit projects, and it often delivers an ROI in under 12 months.
By using digital tools like a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), energy managers can monitor and control energy-consuming systems in a building, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and more. These digital tools collect real-time data, offering insights into how a building’s energy is being used and identifying inefficiencies that influence the building’s EPC rating and carbon reporting.
With remote optimisation, businesses can shift to a more proactive energy management approach. By using data collected from BEMS and IoT (Internet of Things) systems, teams can anticipate issues before they occur, scheduling maintenance when it’s most convenient and avoiding downtime. This shift towards proactive management can lead to greater energy efficiency, lower costs, and improved building performance across the portfolio, generating savings of up to 30% in our experience.
What does remote building optimisation involve?
Optimise existing assets with BEMS and IoT
Using tools like BEMS and IoT sensors, businesses can monitor energy usage in real time, allowing them to pinpoint where underperformances occur across their portfolio.
Energy managers can use that information to remotely adjust systems to align with occupancy and usage, as well as flag high-consuming assets before they drag down EPC scores.
Track and report energy KPIs easily
Data from remote optimisation can also feed into EPC improvement strategies, MEES compliance documentation, corporate sustainability reporting and even budget justifications for future investment.
Next steps for energy managers preparing for MEES 2027
If you're responsible for energy performance in commercial buildings, here’s what you can do now:
- Audit your EPC positions – Identify buildings at risk under future MEES thresholds
- Implement quick-win optimisation – Tune runtimes, schedules, and set-points
- Use performance data to inform decision-making – Demonstrate progress and make a stronger CapEx case
Optimised Insights: The Building Efficiency Playbook
Discover how Remote Optimisation can drive efficiency, reduce operational costs, and help you hit your sustainability targets—across your entire estate.
Managing a portfolio of buildings is complex, especially when faced with rising energy prices, aging infrastructure, and mounting sustainability targets. Our free eBook explores how remote optimisation — powered by Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), IoT devices, and advanced analytics — gives you control, visibility, and real-time insights to drive smarter energy use across your estate.
Article by Richard Slater
Head of Client Services - Building Optimisation
With a long career in building controls and optimisation, Richard understands the complexities energy managers face when managing multi-site porfolios, overseeing & driving solutions across our building optimisation teams of on-site BEMS & metering engineers, IoT specialists, remote engineers and energy analysts.
BOOK YOUR 30-MINUTE ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONSULTATION
Fill in your details below to arrange a complimentary consultation with one of our experts. They will give you bespoke advice to help your business achieve all its energy needs, reducing cost, consumption and carbon.
