Planning, building and the environment

Overview

The way a building is constructed, insulated, heated and ventilated and the type of fuel used, all contributes to its energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The Energy Performance Certificate is one measure introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of our buildings. Other changes include requiring larger public buildings to display certificates showing the energy efficiency of the building and requiring inspections for air conditioning systems.

Below is a summary of the implementation in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have introduced their own regulations.

Energy Performance Certificates

From 1 October 2008 when a building is sold, built or rented an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required.

The certificate provides energy efficiency A-G ratings and recommendations for improvement. The ratings - similar to those found on products such as fridges - are standard so the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of a similar type.

Acting on an EPC is important to cut energy consumption, save money on bills and help to safeguard the environment.

EPCs were first introduced for the marketed sale of domestic homes, as part of the Home Information Pack. If you are buying or selling a home it is now law to have a certificate. From April 2008 this was extended to newly built homes and large commercial properties. Since 1 October 2008 when buildings are built, sold or rented, an EPC has been required. This includes homes on the market before the phased introduction of EPCs for domestic properties in 2007. Our frequently asked questions section has more information.

EPCS are produced by accredited energy assessors.

Display Energy Certificates for public buildings

Since October 2008 Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are required for larger public buildings enabling everyone to see how energy efficient our public buildings are.

The DEC should be displayed at all times in a prominent place clearly visible to the public - and they are accompanied by an Advisory Report that lists cost effective measures to improve the energy rating of a building.

A DEC is valid for one year and the Advisory Report is valid for seven years.

Inspections for air conditioning systems

An increasing number of buildings have air conditioning systems.

We are requiring mandatory inspections to ensure air conditioning systems are carefully managed and maintained in order that they do not consume too much energy.

The first inspection of all existing air-conditioning systems over 250 kW must have occurred by 4 January 2009. The first inspection of all remaining air-conditioning systems over 12 kW must have occurred by 4 January 2011.

The inspection will include an assessment of the efficiency of the system with advice on improvements or replacements, as well as alternative solutions.

Advice and guidance for boiler users

More than 50 per cent of the total energy consumption and CO2 emissions for buildings come from heating and hot water use.

To help us reduce this we launched a new energy advice programme for heating and hot water systems in partnership with the heating and hot water industry. This programme encourages heating and boiler installers to provide basic energy advice to users about the energy efficiency of their heating and hot water systems. This advice is given in the form of a checklist and also includes recommendations.

The full timetable is provided below:

6 April 2008

EPCs required on construction for all dwellings
EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings with a floor area over 10,000 m2

1 July 2008

EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings with a floor area over 2,500 m2

1 October 2008

EPCs required on the sale or rent of all remaining dwellings
EPCs required on the construction, sale or rent of all remaining buildings other than dwellings
Display certificates required for public buildings >1,000 m2

4 January 2009

First inspection of all existing air-conditioning systems over 250 kW must have occurred by this date1

4 January 2011

First inspection of all remaining air-conditioning systems over 12 kW must have occurred by this date1

1 Note: a system first put into service on or after 1 January 2008 must have a first inspection within 5 years of it first being put into service.