Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard

To combat fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and improve thermal comfort for residents, the government is introducing new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the social rented sector in England.

The decision was published on 28 January 2026 in the government’s initial response to its consultation on improving the energy efficiency of socially rented homes in England. The update outlines how energy efficiency standards for social rented homes will change over the coming years, but more detail is expected to follow.

Initial government proposal

The government published its consultation ‘Improving the energy efficiency of socially rented homes in England’ in July 2025.

The consultation proposed that social housing MEES should be assessed using new metrics, which would assess the energy performance of buildings based on:

• Fabric performance – reflecting the thermal efficiency of the building envelope.
• Smart readiness – assessing the potential of a building to integrate smart technologies that can optimise energy consumption and the ability of consumers to benefit from cheaper smart tariffs.
• Heating system – assessing the efficiency and environmental impact of a building’s heating source and encouraging the adoption of cleaner heating technologies

The consultation proposed that all socially rented homes would need to meet EPC C on two of these metrics by 2030. The government preferred a ‘fabric first’ approach that would require homes to meet the standard for fabric performance first, and then to meet either the smart readiness or heating system standard.

The consultation proposed that the exemptions outlined in the Decent Homes Standard consultation should apply to MEES, in addition to a specific maximum spend exemption. This would cap the required spend on energy efficiency measures per home at £10,000, after which a property would be considered compliant with MEES until 2040.

To recognise early action and to support a smooth transition to the new EPC system, the consultation proposed transitional arrangements for socially rented homes. These included allowing homes that held a valid EPC (and met EPC C) by 2028 to be considered compliant until the expiry of that EPC.

NHF response to consultation

We submitted a response, welcoming the commitment to improve the energy efficiency of social rented homes. As housing associations continue to lead on sustainability, our response outlined support for the government’s ambitions and key recommendations to ensure a fair, practical transition for housing associations and residents.

However, we raised concerns about the proposal to change the metrics used to assess energy efficiency at the same time as introducing MEES. Such a shift would represent a significant change in sector practice, creating uncertainty and additional costs. We urged the government to extend the exemption period to 2030 to give housing associations the confidence to make ambitious bids and long-term investments in energy efficiency.

Consultation outcome

The consultation outcome was published on 28 January 2026.
Instead of requiring all homes to be compliant by 2030, the government is instead introducing a phased compliance model. Social landlords will only be required to meet one metric by 2030 rather than two, and will have a choice of which metric this is housing providers will then be required to meet a second metric (again, their choice) by 2039. The government has confirmed that compliance will be judged using the new EPC metrics.

The government has confirmed plans to implement a time limited 10-year spend exemption from 2030 at £10,000.

It has also confirmed transitional arrangements. Homes that have already achieved an EPC C rating prior to the introduction of new EPCs will be recognised as compliant until the certificate expires. Further, new EPCs issued between 2026 and 2030 will display both old and new methodologies to ensure that no provider is disadvantaged by the transition.

NHF response

We welcomed the government’s measured and pragmatic decision to implement a phased compliance model. This decision reflected our concerns around deliverability and recognises the competing demands on housing associations, supply chain maturity and impact on residents. 

Allowing landlords the choice of which metrics to meet gives housing associations the flexibility to consider which metrics are best suited to their homes and the needs of their residents.

The inclusion of a transition period offers our members more stability, allowing them to continue with their planned programmes of work through to 2030.

We will update this page as and when we have more information.