Energy Services
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was introduced into 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 kyoto protocol.
Legal Requirements and Duties
Articles 7-10 of the EPBD have come into force under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 and the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections)(Northern Ireland) 2008. The regulations require property oweners, operators and managers to put into place a programme of energy performance certification and energy inspections for air-conditioning units.
We have developed a range of services intended to directly support the property market to deliver quality solutions meeting the requirements of the EPBR whilst simultaneously offering bespoke energy management programmes for reducing carbon emissions.
Energy Certification for Buildings
The Regulation stipulates that an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be made available to the prospective buyer or tennant, for all buildings being constructed, sold or leased.
The EPC must be produced by an independant expert and its validity shall not exceed 10 years.
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) work on the same basis to the EPC but show the actual operational rating of the building and must be displayed in a place visible to the public.
Inspection for Heating and Cooling Systems
The inspecitons of heating and cooling systems are to be periodically completed with respect to reducing energy consumption and limiting carbon emissions.
Energy Audit & Report
An assessment of the building, its energy supply and usage, will enable a detailed report to be produced which recommends both immediate and economically feasible longer term energy performance improvements. By following the recommendations detailed in these reports improvements on the buildings rating can be achieved.
When are the requirements coming into force?
| Requirement | England & Wales | Northern Ireland |
| Energy Performance Certification | Commercial Buildings over 10,000m2 for construction, sales or rental – 6th April 2008 | Newly constructed commercial buildings – 30th September 2008 |
| Commercial Buildings over 2,500m2 for construction, sales or rental – 1st July 2008 | Commercial buildings for sale- 1st October 2008 | |
| All Commercial Buildings for construction, sales or rental – 1st October 2008 | Commercial buildings for rental – 30th December 2008 | |
| Display Energy Certification | 1st October 2008 | 30th December 2008 |
| Air Conditioning Inspections | Systems > 250kW – First inspection by 4th January 2009 | Systems > 250kW – first inspection by 4th January 2010 |
| Systems > 12kW – first inspection by 4th January 2011 | Systems > 12kW – first inspection by 4th January 2011 |
There are similar requirements for domestic properties which will be required for some properties owned by housing associations for example.
How we can help you
Using our services of expertise we can ensure you recieve information on legislative requirements.
| Energy Service | Statutory/Non-statutory |
| Energy Perfomance Certification | Statutory |
| Level 1 Air Conditioning Efficiency Inspection | Statutory |
| Heating Plant (Boiler) Efficiency Inspection | Non-statutory |
| Energy Audit and Report | Non-statutory |
| Level 2 Air Conditioning Efficiency Inspection | Non-statutory |