The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is European legislation which was enacted in 2002. It appears that its basic intention is to measure, record and raise awareness of the energy use in buildings. Although much public attention is given to the energy and environmental effect of car and air travel, the heating, lighting and air-conditioning of buildings is of greater significance. We believe that the EPBD is the start of a global movement to recognize the importance of energy use related to the buildings in which we all live and work.
In the UK, this process was begun in 2007 with the implementation of the regulations requiring ‘Home Information Packs’ for dwellings. Much of the surrounding publicity seemed to focus on the legal issues of searches and surveys, and appeared to miss the significance of the ‘Domestic Energy Assessment’. However, the process of measuring, recording and raising awareness of energy use in buildings has already begun in our homes.
Commercial buildings are now subject to this scrutiny. On sale or letting of a building, the vendor or landlord is required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (‘EPC’) to prospective buyers or tenants. Such transactions also include transfers during ‘restructuring’, such as transfers into pension schemes, company re-organisations, and any occasion where the owner of a property changes. The certificate must be prepared by a qualified ‘Energy Assessor’. It will be accompanied by recommendations for the improvement of the energy performance of the building, and will be valid for ten years.
Details for the legislative requirements can be found at
http://www.communities.gov.uk/ - planning and building
New requirements and changes often give rise to uncertainty and inefficiency. EnerCert seeks to reduce or remove these ‘implementation’ problems by helping owners, agents and managers to understand the process and benefits of energy assessment. The following information is intended as an initial overview of the practicalities and ‘processes’ involved.
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