The facts you need to know
The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive ( EPBD ) was introduced in the UK from January 2006 with a three year implementation period, ending in January 2009.
- Its objective is to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions as part of the government’s strategy to achieve a sustainable environment and meet climate change targets agreed under the Kyoto Protocol.
- The EPBD introduced higher standards of energy conservation for new and refurbished buildings in Scotland from May 2007 and will require energy performance certification for all buildings when sold or leased. In addition it will introduce regular inspections for larger air conditioning systems and advice on more efficient boiler operation for commercial property.
- To meet the requirements of the Directive, all buildings will need to be assessed and rated to comply with energy efficiency and target carbon emission rates by 2012. ASC strongly recommends assessment is arranged as soon as possible as upgrading of heating, ventilation and building materials may be required if below the required standards. This may be costly and better to know now to financially plan for any changes needed.
Types of Certification
There are two types of energy certificate required for new and existing commercial buildings;
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) that will be required on sale, lease or construction of all non dwellings over 50sqm from the 4 January 2009 ( Stand alone non dwellings < 50sqm, places of worship and temporary buildings in use less than two years are the only exclusions.
- Display Energy Certificates (DEC) required for public buildings over 1000sqm from April 2008.
- An Energy Performance Certificate is valid for 10 years and must be made available to a prospective purchaser or occupier at the earliest opportunity before entering a contract for sale or lease but no later than the release of marketing material or the request for a visit to the property.
- Commercial buildings when constructed, sold or leased, including public sector buildings and all business premises will require an Energy Performance Certificate ( EPC ).
Q&A
Who is responsible for commissioning an EPC ?
Landlords and property managers are responsible for ensuring that an Energy Performance Certificate and/or Display Certficate is made available.
Are there any enforcements ?
Building Control within the local authorities will enforce certification of newly constructed buildings (under Part L of the Building Regulations.
Trading Standards will enforce certification of existing buildings. Penalty fines will apply if a valid certificate is not produced when required or a valid Display Energy Certificate is not displayed.
Who implements the EPBD and Energy Performance Certification in Scotland ?
In Scotland, the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA) is charged with the implementation of the Directive.
Who can produce Energy Performance Certificates in Scotland?
Only accredited energy assessors can carry out assessments to produce Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) and Display Energy Certificates (DEC).
Buildings will be rated on predicted energy use, calculated by sophisticated software models, which also are designed to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.
ASC Asset Management has fully accredited assessors able to carry out Level 3 and Level 4 Non Domestic Energy Assessment to produce Energy Performance Certificates and Display Energy Certificates for your commercial building.
Commercial Property Specialists
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ASC Asset Management
58 Beardmore Way
Clydebank
Glasgow
G81 4HT
Tel. 0141 404 1144