Commercial EPC & MEES Compliance – Frizzell House A landmark building brought up to modern standards

Frizzell House, a prominent five-storey commercial office in Westbourne, Bournemouth, has been a familiar feature of the local skyline since the 1970s. Occupied by LV Insurance, the property faced a common challenge for older office buildings: how to meet today’s tighter energy performance requirements without disrupting day-to-day business operations.

The challenge

Originally built in the 1970s and extended in the 1990s, the building’s construction and systems reflected standards of their time. Outdated heating systems and inefficient glazing meant the property initially scored 139 (F rating) on its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). For a landlord or occupier, this level of performance poses compliance risks under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

The approach

Using the DesignBuilder 3D modelling software a series of design revisions were assessed to find the most effective route to compliance. Each recommendation had to balance regulatory requirements, cost, technical feasibility, and minimal disruption to staff working on-site.

Key improvements included:

• Lighting: Full upgrade to modern LED systems.
• Heating & Cooling: Replacement of legacy boilers with high-efficiency heat pumps.
• Glazing: Upgrade to new 1.3 U-value windows.
• Hot Water: Integration into the new heat pump system.
• Heat Recovery: Added to the existing Air Handling Unit.
• Fans & Pumps: Upgraded to meet improved power standards.
• Renewables: Installation of a 48kWh solar PV array.

The outcome

If all measures are implemented, Frizzell House would see its EPC rating improve dramatically, from F to B an uplift of 87 points. Beyond compliance, this positions the building as a far more efficient asset, reducing running costs and enhancing its long-term value.

Why it matters

For commercial landlords MEES compliance is not optional, it’s a legal requirement. Achieving compliance can also unlock opportunities: lower energy bills, improved sustainability credentials, and enhanced tenant satisfaction.

Frizzell House demonstrates how a structured, technically robust compliance package can transform an aging property into one that is fit for the future.

Services Provided

• Non-Domestic EPC