Energy performance certificates and minimum energy efficiency requirements (MEES)

Energy performance certificates (EPCs)—key legislation

The key regulations governing EPCs are the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012, SI 2012/3118 (EPC Regs 2012) and the Building Regulations 2010, SI 2010/2214 (Building Regs 2010), which implemented the requirements of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU, (recast EPBD directive). The EPC Regs 2012 apply to all buildings across England and Wales.

Prior to the EPC Regs 2012, the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007, SI 2007/991 implemented the original Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2002/91/EC (original EPBD directive).

The recast EPBD directive was drafted as the European Council resolved that it was necessary to require more specific actions with regards to how energy savings in buildings could be realised, across all Member States. See Practice Note: EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU—snapshot.

Directive (EU) 2018/844 of 30 May 2018 (the revised EPBD directive) amends the recast EPBD directive. It was published in June 2018 and entered into force on 9 July 2018. Member States had until 10 March 2020

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest Environment News

Spotlight on Corruption releases manifesto on addressing environmental harm through anti-corruption measures

Spotlight on Corruption has released a manifesto setting out five consensus areas where improved anti-corruption measures can help address environmental harm. The manifesto, endorsed by 30 civil society organisations, outlines several recommendations for the government, including: (1) making more effective use of existing laws and regulations to address corruption and money laundering that enable environmental harm; (2) supporting national platforms to track climate finance, alongside enhanced reporting standards and transparency; (3) introducing comprehensive protections for whistleblowers. It also calls for reforms to the lobbying regime to prevent vested interests from delaying the transition to cleaner energy.

Environment weekly highlights—12 March 2026

This week's edition of Environment weekly highlights includes: adoption by the Council of the European Union of the amended European Climate Law, setting a binding EU climate 2040 target, publication by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) of ISO 14092:2026, setting out requirements and guidance for climate change adaptation planning by local governments and communities and publication by HM Treasury (HMT) of a Good Practice Guide on reporting under the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework for the 2025–26 period. In addition this week, we have published a new horizon scanner, which tracks key future developments in the field of environmental law in the UK. It is a maintained document that provides details of key dates for your diary (including forecasted dates where the actual date is unknown) and relevant commentary in relation to legislative updates, case appeals and other developments such as consultations.

Environmental enforcement round-up—12 March 2026

A round-up of the latest environmental enforcement, including a company agreeing to donate to the West Country Rivers Trust as part of an enforcement undertaking following multiple clay pollution incidents.

ECHA’s Social Economic Committee publishes PFAS restriction opinion for public feedback

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) has agreed its draft opinion on a proposed universal restriction covering all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposal seeks to restrict the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFAS within the EU. The draft opinion, based on assessments of the socio-economic impact of a potential restriction and an analysis of available alternatives, will be published shortly for a 60-day consultation. ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee adopted its final opinion on 2 March 2026. SEAC is expected to adopt its final opinion by the end of 2026, taking into account consultation responses, after which both committees’ opinions will be submitted to the European Commission. The Commission will then propose a restriction for discussion and vote in the REACH Committee.