Energy Performance Certificates
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES
Nearly all buildings will soon require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPCs). EPCs have been introduced to comply with the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2002/91/EC (EPBD). EPDB’s aim is to reduce greenhouse gases following the Kyoto Protocol 1997. Energy Performance Certificates will be produced using Government approved protocol software. For commercial or non-domestic buildings and public buildings the software adopted is iSBEM. For domestic properties the SAP methodology is adopted. Energy Performance Certificates can only be undertaken and prepared by approved Energy Assessors. PBlackhall Ltd will be ready for the new legislation by offering fully qualified staff to produce the EPC’s. The key dates for the introduction of EPCs in both Scotland and England and Wales are outlined below:
SCOTLAND ENGLAND & WALES
Commercial Sale - 4th January 2009 Commercial Buildings > 50m² - 1st October 2008
Commercial Rental - 4th January 2009 Public Buildings - 1st October 2008
Public Buildings - 4th January 2009 Domestic New Construction - 6th April 2008
Domestic Rental * - 4th January 2009 Domestic Sales and Rentals
The following buildings are exempt and do not require an Energy Performance Certificate: -
· Buildings with no fuel or power to condition or control the internal environment.
· Non-domestic buildings and buildings that are ancillary or stand-alone which have an area less than 50m².
· Some conversions, alterations and extensions to buildings.
· Limited life buildings with a life of less than 2 years.
· Buildings to be demolished (English legislation only at present).
· Places of worship (English legislation only at this stage).