With the end of the year 2025 fast approaching, the question that is echoing through the UK commercial property market is: “What should we prepare for in the year ahead?”
Although key EPC and MEES deadlines are now a way off into the future, 2026 is set to become a crucial year of planning, particularly for landlords of existing or non-energy-efficient stock. What happens in the coming 6-12 months will shape whether a portfolio can continue to remain lettable, compliant, and financially viable.
This guide describes what commercial landlords need to prepare for when it comes to 2026 and how new regulations affecting energy will affect their portfolios.
Why 2026 Is Important for Property Owners
Although EPC B targets will be introduced in the latter years, there is already enforcement activity, lender concern, and tenant demand on the rise.
In practice, these are 2026 years:
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- Many landlords will require clear instructions on how they should carry out improvements recommended by energy
- MEES Compliance Strategies need to go from theory to action
- Retrofitting cash flows become easier to predict and schedule
- Properties with low EPCs become subject to pressure concerning lettability and valuation
This is especially true for landlords who wait until the point at which enforcement becomes tighter in order to carry out their plans. Such landlords may end up paying more.
EPC Ratings and MEES: What Landlords Need to Prepare For
In the UK, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations have been imposed to enforce minimum EPC standards for non-domestic properties. Although future standards are set to be higher, E, F, and G-rated non-domestic properties are already at risk.
What Landlords Must Know by 2026:
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- Their current EPC position in the portfolio
- Which assets have had incremental vs major improvements?
- Whether the exemptions are truly applicable and temporary
- The actual price tag attached with improvement efforts
This is where early EPC consultancy and EPC Plus analysis become critical.
EPC Plus reports and commercial EPC Level 5 assessments help identify upgrade routes that align with MEES planning rather than guesswork.
Energy Expenditures, Tenant Pressure, and Asset Value
Compliance is not the only driver.
Tenants increasingly factor:
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- Energy bills
- Sustainability credentials
- Corporate ESG targets
into leasing decisions. Buildings with weak EPCs or unclear energy strategies may struggle to attract or retain tenants, even if they remain technically compliant.
Preparing in 2026 means:
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- Understanding how operational energy affects occupiers
- Reducing exposure to volatile energy prices
- Protecting asset value and long-term rental income
Planning for EPC Improvements without Guesswork
One of the most substantial risks that a landlord faces is underwriting improvements that lack any EPC benefits.
In the case of complex commercial buildings, assumptions based on general improvements carried out in an EPC may not always be reliable.
This is why progressive landlords employ:
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- A step into the unknown
- TM54 energy calculations are utilized to evaluate
- Energy modeling based on performance
These methods enable landlords to:
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- Predict actual energy consumption
- Test improvement scenarios before spending
- Align EPC outcomes with MEES strategy and tenant use
TM54 assessments and dynamic modeling of CCA Environmental provide evidence-based planning instead of planning based on assumptions.
Role of Solar PV in 2026 Prospective Scenario Planning
Solar PV will be incorporated in EPC and MEES improvement plans in many commercial buildings but will be highly dependent on suitability.
In 2026, the following should be evaluated by landlords
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- Roof orientation, shading and available space
- EPC uplift potential from solar PV
- Financial return vs compliance benefit
- Integration with wider energy efficiency measures
Solar PV works best when assessed as part of a whole-building strategy, not as a standalone installation.
CCA Environmental supports commercial landlords with solar PV modelling and compliance-led assessment, ensuring installations support EPC goals rather than just generation figures.
Budgeting and Phasing: Works Ahead of Enforcement
Waiting until enforcement becomes more stringent generates the following outcomes for the country:
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- Higher Contractor Costs
- Historically
- Limited Availability
- Less control over upgrade sequence
Preparing in 2026 benefits landlords in that they can
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- Phase operates in several years
- If high-risk assets are identified, prioritize
- Implement improvements in EPC with ongoing refreshes
- Do not make rushed decisions about MEES compliance
What Commercial Landlords Should Do Now
As we move into the new year, commercial landlords should focus on five practical actions:
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- Review EPC ratings across the portfolio
- Identify buildings at risk under future MEES thresholds
- Commission EPC Plus or Level 5 EPC analysis where required
- Use TM54 modelling to test real-world performance
- Build a phased compliance and investment roadmap
Early planning provides choice, control and cost certainty.
How CCA Environmental Supports 2026 Compliance Planning
CCA Environmental works with commercial landlords, asset managers and property professionals across the UK to support long-term compliance and energy planning, including:
Our approach focuses on practical, evidence-based solutions that protect asset value while meeting regulatory requirements.
Speak to Our Consultants About 2026 Planning
If you’re reviewing your portfolio or planning ahead for future MEES and EPC requirements, early advice can save time and cost.
📞 Call CCA Environmental on 020 3514 3080
or
📩 Use our online enquiry form to speak with an experienced consultant about your buildings and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
1. What will the EPC rating be for commercial buildings in the future?
Current MEES rules require a minimum EPC E, with future proposals targeting EPC C and B. Planning early helps landlords avoid last-minute upgrades.
2. Can landlords still claim MEES exemptions?
Some exemptions exist, but they are time-limited and increasingly scrutinised. Evidence-based assessments are essential.
3. Does solar PV guarantee EPC improvement?
Not always. EPC uplift depends on building type, usage and modelling. Professional assessment is recommended.
4. What is the benefit of TM54 modelling for landlords?
TM54 predicts real operational energy use, helping landlords plan upgrades that work in practice, not just on paper.