In short
Government plans EPC B by 2031 for rented commercial buildings over 1,000 m². What it means for landlords and where a lighting retrofit fits.
Law firms have spent October unpacking the government's reset of commercial Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). TLT's 16 October briefing sums it up: owners of commercial property over 1,000 square metres now have a clear but tight deadline to reach EPC B by 2031 (TLT). Bird & Bird followed on 17 October (Bird & Bird).
What the government has said
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published an interim response on 18 June 2026 (GOV.UK). According to RICS:
- From 2031, privately rented commercial buildings over 1,000 m² in England and Wales will need EPC B, where it is cost-effective
- Buildings under 1,000 m² stay at the current EPC E minimum
- The proposed interim EPC C milestone for 2027 will not go ahead
- Flexibility mechanisms, including the seven-year payback test, remain
The changes need secondary legislation, and a full government response is expected (RICS). VWV notes the 1,000 m² threshold detail, compliance route and updated guidance are still awaited (VWV).
Where lighting fits
Lighting is one of the building services an EPC assessment considers, and upgrading it is often less disruptive than work on the fabric or heating. For larger offices, a lighting retrofit can be planned around tenants and lease events. Our earlier guide to EPCs, MEES and lighting explains the basics.
A five-year plan
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| Now | Check EPC ratings and floor areas across the portfolio |
| Next 12 months | Survey existing lighting and model options with your EPC assessor |
| Lease events | Upgrade floors as they fall vacant or at refurbishment |
| Before 2031 | Re-assess EPCs and keep evidence for any exemptions |
Retrofit or replace
Many existing office luminaires have sound housings. Replacing the LED gear inside them avoids new fittings, reduces waste and is often quicker. See is my luminaire housing worth keeping? and retrofitting linear pendants. Where new lighting is needed, compare surface linear for refurbishment and recessed lighting in refurbishments.
Controls matter too. Adding sensors during a retrofit and daylight dimming and presence detection can reduce energy use further. For the business case, see LED retrofit payback and office lighting upgrades for landlords.
Get a quote
Find out what to send for a retrofit quote, then contact 299 Lighting. The team can survey, specify and deliver retrofit programmes through its services.
Further reading at 299 Lighting
Next steps on relumen8.com
Thinking about a retrofit?
Send us photos of your existing fittings, the location and rough quantities. A Light Engineer will tell you whether reLUMEN8 is viable.
Start a project →Frequently asked questions
When do rented commercial buildings need EPC B?
Under the government's interim response, from 2031 for privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000 m² in England and Wales, where cost-effective. Secondary legislation is still needed.
Is the 2027 EPC C deadline still happening?
No. The government said the proposed interim EPC C milestone for 2027 will not be taken forward.
What about buildings under 1,000 m²?
They remain subject to the current minimum of EPC E.
Can a lighting retrofit help an EPC rating?
Lighting is one of the services an EPC assessment considers. Model options with your assessor to see the effect for your building.
