The government has launched a new open consultation to explore the introduction of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for social housing in England. 

MEES are designed to ensure that homes meet a minimum level of thermal performance, typically measured using Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). For example, landlords in the private rented sector are already required to achieve a minimum EPC rating of E, with proposals to raise this to a C in the near future. However, social housing has, until now, not been subject to the same requirements.

Introducing MEES for social housing is a key step in improving the quality of homes for tenants. Higher energy efficiency standards help make homes warmer, reduce energy bills, and protect vulnerable residents from fuel poverty. At the same time, they contribute to the UK’s climate goals by lowering carbon emissions from the built environment.

This consultation proposes setting a minimum EPC standard of C by 2030 for socially rented homes. This would bring social housing in line with similar proposals for the private sector and would be embedded in the updated Decent Homes Standard (DHS).

The government is encouraging feedback from social landlords, housing associations, tenants, local authorities, energy assessors, and anyone involved in housing or retrofit policy. Your insights will help shape the final policy and ensure it is both ambitious and deliverable.

The consultation is open until 11:45pm on Wednesday 10th September 2025. You can access and respond to the consultation through the official GOV.UK website by clicking here.