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Written question asked by Will Forster (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 17 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. It was answered by Sarah Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Energy Performance Certificates: Industry

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of EPC rating requirements for industrial buildings; and what steps he is taking to support small manufacturers in meeting future energy efficiency standards.

Answer

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations consider the energy efficiency of buildings to ensure they are futureproofed for any usage, irrespective of the occupant. MHCLG also recently published a consultation on EPC reform to ensure they are a more effective tool for understanding a buildings energy performance in future.

Non-domestic MEES regulations currently only require buildings, including industrial buildings, below EPC E to improve their energy efficiency. We consulted on strengthening this to EPC B by 2030, and plan to publish our government response in the first half of 2025.

In regard to support for small manufacturers, government publishes various schemes on gov.uk, both local and national, that help with the costs of energy efficiency measures. This includes the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund which has offered up to £500 million. Our Business Energy Advice Service Pilot operates in the West Midlands also provides energy demand reduction and decarbonisation recommendations for SMEs with the provision of free match-funded grants available to support implementation. We also encourage SMEs to visit the UK Business Climate Hub, which provides information and advice on how to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
46572
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Conservation Buildings Industry Small businesses Energy performance certificates
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk