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In outline of the Kyoto Protocol the EU agreed to a total reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 8% below 1990 levels during the period 2008-2012. As a result, the European Commission launched the European Climate Change Programme in 2000 in order to establish a strategy to acheive the protocol. The Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) was introduced when it was found that non-dwellings are responsible for almost 20% of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Energy Performance Certificates
Energy Performance Certificates have been introduced to promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings. EPC's are intended to inform potential buyers or tenants about the energy performance of a buidling to enable them to consider energy efficiency as part of their investment or business decision to buy or occupy that building.
An EPC will provide an energy rating for a building which is based on the performance potential of the building itself ( the fabric) and its services (heating, lighting and ventilation).
The energy rating given on the certificate reflects the intrinsic energy performance standard of the building relative to a benchmark which can then be used to make comparisons with comparable properties. It is accompanied by a recommendation report, which provides recommendations on how the energy performance of the building could be enhanced, together with an indication of the payback period.
Display Energy Certificates
Display Energy Certificate's show the energy performance of a building based on actual energy consumption as recorded annually over periods up to the last three years (the Operational Rating).
The operational rating (OR) is a numerical indicator of the actual annual carbon dicoxide emissions from the building.
The OR must be calculated according to the methodology approved by the Secretary of State. This is done by an accrediated energy assessor using a software tool for the calculation which has also been approved by the Secretary of State.
The DEC should be displayed in a prominent place that is clearly visible to members of the public and to enable members of the document easily, it should be no smaller than A3 in size.