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Energy Performance Certificates
Why the measures are being introduced
Nearly 50 per cent of the UK’s energy consumption arises from the way in which our 25 million buildings are lit, heated and used. Even comparatively minor changes in the energy performance of and the way we use each building would have a significant effect in reducing energy consumption, and hence, carbon emissions.
Given the UK Government’s support of the Kyoto Protocol and of its challenging targets for the reduction of carbon emissions, reducing the energy consumption attributable to buildings is a key policy objective.
Energy Performance of Buildings
In 1997 many countries around the world recognised the growing problems of ever increasing levels of greenhouse gases and agreed to take action to reduce this problem. These countries signed up to the Kyoto Protocol which agreed a set of measures to reduce C02 emissions.
As buildings are responsible for almost 50 per cent of all energy consumed in the UK, it is vital that we make our buildings more energy efficient. At the forecast rate of building a large proportion of current buildings will still be in use in 2050, so improving the performance of existing buildings is a particular priority.
Communities and Local Government is leading the introduction of a number of energy and cost savings measures to make all buildings more efficient. The measures are being applied across all European Union countries and are in line with the European Directive for the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD).
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
These certificates are for all buildings (that meet the definition below). With this form of certificate the building is given an asset rating. This assesses the capability of the building to be energy efficient. This type of certificate is required whenever the building is constructed, sold or rented.
The certificate will give the building a grading ranging from A to G (A being very efficient while G is inefficient). The certificate will be accompanied by recommendations for cost-effective actions to improve the rating.
The exact form of the EPC will vary according to the sector use and size of the building. A copy of the EPC to be used for marketed sale of dwellings is shown below.
Buildings needing an EPC
A building is defined as “a roofed construction having walls, for which energy is used to condition the indoor climate; a building may refer to the building as a whole or parts thereof that have been designed or altered to be used separately”.
When are Assessments required?
On Construction
For a newly constructed building, when the construction is completed; the builder or person responsible for the construction is responsible for obtaining the certificate and providing it to the owner.
On Sale
For buildings that are to be sold, the building’s owner is responsible for ensuring a certificate is available to all prospective purchasers. The Energy Performance Certificate should be shown, on request, to any prospective purchaser, and should in any case be provided by the owner to the ultimate purchaser before a contract for sale is made.
Boilers
The efficiency of a boiler has a significant impact on the overall energy efficiency of a building. The government is planning to provide an advice and information programme in relation to the energy performance of boilers and heating systems. This programme will encourage boiler owners to improve the efficiency and reduce the carbon emissions produced by their boilers.