ARL supports call for Government to publish plans on future MEES for the non-domestic private rented sector in England

The Association for Rental Living (ARL) – formerly the UKAA – has today co-signed a letter to Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, The Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP, requesting the publication of the Government’s plans on future minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for the non-domestic private rented sector in England.

Together with other representatives of the commercial real estate sector within the Green Property Alliance, the ARL acknowledges that its members, and the wider real estate sector, have a critical role to play in tackling climate change and that there is a need to accelerate the decarbonisation of the commercial real estate sector – and the wider built environment – if we are to meet our net zero targets and ambitions.

The members of the Green Property Alliance, including the ARL, reinforce that they are committed to delivering more energy efficient buildings, driven by investor and occupier requirements and they support higher minimum standards. However, the delay in publishing a response to the consultation paper and the ongoing uncertainty about the Government’s intentions in this area is causing real concern amongst members, impacting on investment plans and upgrades of buildings.

The ARL and co-signatories have therefore requested the publication of a full response to the 2021 consultation on the new MEES for the non-domestic private rented sector, providing detail on EPC targets and timelines and clarity on the rules around exemptions and enforcement, to provide investors and the sector with certainty over the future regulatory framework.