Non-Domestic Private Rented Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations: Evaluation

This document describes an evaluation of the Private Rented Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (PRS MEES) in England and Wales, focusing on their impact on the energy efficiency of non-domestic rented properties. The PRS MEES policy mandates a minimum EPC rating of E for such properties, aiming to enhance energy efficiency. A mixed-methods approach was used for the evaluation, combining secondary data analysis, qualitative interviews, and focus groups. The findings reveal that rented properties are generally less energy efficient than owner-occupied ones, with smaller landlords and businesses facing the most significant challenges. Awareness and compliance vary, with larger landlords being more proactive. Local authorities struggle with enforcement due to resource limitations. The evaluation concludes that while PRS MEES raises energy efficiency awareness and has potential economic benefits, there are substantial barriers to compliance, particularly for smaller landlords and in rural areas, and suggests that future policy should address these challenges and the need for better enforcement resources. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews; Individual interviews; Qualitative observational studies
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: March 2021

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Links to published evaluations (DEBUGGING): No final report link found.
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes