EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive A brief overview

Outline of Directive Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and Council, on the energy performance of buildings, came into force on 4 th January Part of UK Legislation from 4 th January 2006, and affects all buildings, both domestic and non-domestic.

Purpose of Directive The objective is to improve the energy performance of buildings by requiring:- a methodology to calculate integrated energy performance of buildings (design and actual performance) minimum energy requirements for new buildings minimum energy requirements for large existing buildings being renovated energy certification of buildings regular inspection of boilers and of air conditioning systems.

Application to New Buildings For all new buildings with a useful floor area over 1000 m2, formal consideration shall be given to the following alternative systems for heating:- CHP district or block heating or cooling heat pumps decentralised energy supply systems based upon renewable energy.

Application to Existing Buildings Whenever a building with a total useful floor area of over 1000 m2 undergoes major renovation, its energy performance Must be upgraded to meet minimum requirements based upon Article 4. The requirement should be technically, functionally and economically feasible for most buildings.

Energy Performance Certificates Whenever a building is constructed, sold or rented out, a certificate detailing its energy performance must be made available. This can either be to the owner or, by the owner, to the prospective buyer or tenant. No certificate may be older than 10 years. Certificates originally required to be in place by 4 th January Certificates required in Scotland for Colleges, Universities and other public buildings by Certificates to be displayed in Public Buildings. Enforcement likely by Local Authority, Building Control Offices via amendment to the Building Scotland Act 2005, due in May 2007.