Energy Performance Certificates

The Energy Performance in Buildings Directive - also referred to as EPBD, was introduced in the UK in January 2006, with a three year implementation schedule, ending in January 2009.  The purpose was to improve the energy performance of buildings across the EU.  Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were created to measure the energy efficiency of a building.

The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save the householder money and help the environment.  Certificates must be made available whenever a building is constructed, rented or sold. 

This began in the domestic sector, and has developed into the commercial sector. From April 2008 Energy Performance Certificates will be required for all buildings. 

For private housing, these regulations have been part of the controversial HIPS – Home Information Packs, and show which homes are the most energy efficient, i.e. have the lowest fuel bills.  The scale is from A-G, denoting the impact a house has on the environment.  A house rated as A is the most efficient, and should have less impact through carbon dioxide emissions.  It is estimated that domestic homes account for 27% of the UK’s CO2 emissions. The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings.

An accredited Energy Assessor visits a property to collect the relevant data, including the date, construction and location of the house and relevant fittings (heating systems, insulation or double glazing, for example).
The certificate resembles the existing EU colour scheme, used to indicate the energy efficiency of domestic appliances like a fridge, dryer etc.

These rules will be implemented by all European member states by 2009. Energy certification is being introduced in the UK under Part L of the National Building Regulations, and forms part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which is an EU initiative.

Chris Jones, Director of New Build at PH Jones Ltd said:
“We are constantly looking at ways of ensuring energy efficiency in our products and services, and we see the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates as a useful benchmark in assessing the efficiency of appliances”. 

The concept of changing the way of thinking to improve energy consumption in the home is growing, and for more information on how replacing old boilers can lead to savings, read our recent article, Debate on old boilers.

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