Energy performance certificates
From 1 January 2008 developers of all new houses, apartments
will be required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
upon completion of the work and pass this on to the new
owner.
Buildings modified to form houses and apartments will be
required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate where
the modification involves the provision or extension of heating,
hot water, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation services.
From 6 April 2008 similar arrangements for
EPC
s, as those for
dwellings, will also apply to all newly created buildings (that are
not dwellings) and certain modifications to buildings, such as
subdivisions to form separate units.
The European Law
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is now
in force and promotes the improvement of the energy performance of
buildings within the European Community. Implementing the
EPBD
will
encourage owners and tenants to choose energy efficient buildings
when seeking new accommodation and to improve the performance of
buildings they occupy.
Implementation of the Directive is seen as an important
contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions as part of the UK
climate change programme.
How are Building Regulations affected?
After 1 January 2008 Building Control will not be able to issue
a completion certificate, for dwellings created as new build or a
change of use, unless it is satisfied that a developer has obtained
an appropriate
EPC
and declares, by way
of a notice, that this has been or will be passed on to the new
owner. Similar arrangements will be in place for all non-domestic
buildings completed after 6 April 2008.
EPC
’s must also include a
recommendation report – on how further energy improvements could be
made.
Large buildings accessible to the public
After 6 April 2008 (subject to confirmation) all large buildings
(over 1000m2 in total useful floor area) occupied by
public authorities, or providing services to the public, such
as leisure centres, municipal buildings, hospitals and so
on, must also display an
EPC
which must be on view
to all who use the building.
Who provides an EPC?
EPC
’s can
only be obtained from qualified energy assessors who are registered
on an approved accreditation scheme.
EPC
’s will look similar to
those currently used for certain types of energy using appliances
such as cookers and fridges. More information is available on
the Communities and Local Government website.
Communities and Local Government