Building Energy Efficiency

As the concern over climate change continues to increase, the government has introduced measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate change targets.

These include Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for buildings, the requirement for large public buildings to exhibit Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and for inspections of air conditioning systems.

Energy Performance Certificates

In England and Wales it is a requirement for Landlords and property owners to provide a Commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before they sell or lease a commercial building.  Commercial EPCs provide an energy rating based on the performance potential of particular buildings, i.e. the materials and its services such as heating, ventilation and lighting.

The energy rating on an EPC certificate reflects the energy performance standard of a commercial property in comparison to a building that is similar in size and construction. For benchmarking purposes, an EPC certificate is accompanied by a comparable energy performance rating with easy-to-understand graphs.

Display Energy Certificates

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are required for buildings with a total useful floor area of over 1,000 square metres that are occupied or part occupied by public authorities or institutions providing public services to a large number of people who may visit the building.

Inspections for Air Conditioning Systems

All commercial premises where a company has operational control of air conditioning systems with a cumulative effective rated output of greater than 250kw will require an energy assessment report for the system by 4th January 2009.  By 4 January 2011, all remaining air conditioning systems over 12 kilowatts must have been inspected.

We have a team of specialists who can provide advice and assistance on the new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.