Property alliance calls for clarity on government’s MEES proposals

The Green Property Alliance has called on the government to publish its plans on future minimum energy efficiency standards for the non-domestic private rented sector in England. The group, which is a coalition of 12 real estate organisations, has sent a letter dated today to energy secretary Claire Coutinho, calling for more clarity on EPC targets and timelines. It is also seeking details on rules around exemption and enforcement. The government previously outlined its intention to raise MEES standards to EPC B or above for PRS properties, following a consultation in 2021. However, it has yet to lay out the rules in more depth. The GPA said in its letter that a full response to its 2021 consultation is necessary to provide investors and the sector with certainty over the future regulatory framework. “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 our members, impacting on investment plans and upgrades of their buildings,” wrote the group. “A full response, providing detail on EPC targets and timelines and clarity on the rules around exemptions and enforcement, would be warmly welcomed by our members and we would be an ally in working with you and officials to help communicate and deliver the new standards.” The letter’s signatories in full: Sarah Ratcliffe, chair, Green Property Alliance (GPA) and chief executive, Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) Paul Richards, managing director, Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF) Brendan Geraghty, chief executive, Association for Rental Living (ARL) (formerly known as the UK Apartment Association or UKAA) Melanie Leech CBE, chief executive, British Property Federation (BPF) Peter Cosmetatos, chief executive, Commercial Real Estate Finance Council (CREFC) Europe Tobias Steinmann, director of public affairs, European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) Sue Forster, chief executive, Investment Property Forum (IPF) Scott McMunn, chief executive, Loan Market Association (LMA) Vivienne King, operating board member, Revo Justin Young, chief executive, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Yi Wu, chair, Society of Property Researchers (SPR) Simon McWhirter, deputy chief executive, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Photo © Jukka Niittymaa/Pixabay