Moorcrofts Means Business
Welcome to 'Moorcrofts Means Business' podcast, where our speakers will be discussing legal topics to help you run your business as efficiently as possible. Topics will range from buying and selling a company in the UK or abroad, legal technology matters from open source licences through to software and hardware contracts and IP protection, leasing a commercial property and the very thorny and ever evolving landscape of employment law and contractual services. All our podcasts are for general information and are not to be taken as bespoke legal advice.
Moorcrofts Means Business
Environmental performance of business premises – Understanding MEES
Welcome to Series 3, Episode 4 of the Moorcrofts Means Business Podcast!
In this episode, Julia Ferguson, Partner and Head of Commercial Property at Moorcrofts, is joined by Steve Page, Head of GreenFiT at Savills, to discuss the pressing topic of environmental performance in commercial real estate, with a particular focus on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
As climate change takes centre stage, businesses are under growing pressure to demonstrate strong ESG credentials - especially across their supply chains. With around 20% of the UK’s carbon emissions coming from the built environment, and 70% of UK office space currently below the likely required EPC rating of B by 2030, it's clear the real estate sector has a pivotal role to play in achieving net zero.
But while many businesses are taking steps to reduce operational emissions, the challenge of decarbonising commercial buildings - especially around who pays and how improvements are delivered - remains complex.
Julia and Steve discuss:
- The current EPC regime and what reforms may be coming
- The action needed to address anticipated increases in EPC rating requirements
- Funding challenges and cost-sharing issues
- Why collaboration is essential for meaningful energy improvements
Whether you're a landlord, tenant, investor, or advisor, this episode offers clear insights into navigating sustainability in real estate.
Further Resources:
Moorcrofts
Blog - MEES Update 2025: Stricter Rules, Higher Standards and Key Deadlines
Savills