7th August 2009
The Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) proposed recast
The proposed re-cast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive seeks to clarify and simplify certain aspects, extend the scope of the current Directive, strengthen certain provisions and give the public sector a leading role in promoting energy efficiency. Through Communities and Local Government the consultation opened on July 31st, proposing the changes and detailing the impact.
Under the current terms of the EPBD:
- an energy performance certificate (EPC) must be produced whenever a building is sold, constructed or rented out. The EPC shows the energy efficiency of a property, including recommendations on improvements
- a display energy certificate (DEC) must be produced every year for public buildings larger than 1,000m². The DEC must be displayed in a prominent place.
- air-conditioning installations above 12kW must be inspected every five years
The highlights of the proposals are as follows:
- extend the scope of the original Directive
- strengthen certain provisions
- clarify other aspects and
- give public sector a leading role in promoting energy efficiency
The key proposals in the recast are:
- a DEC is to be displayed in buildings larger than 250m² that are occupied by a public authority
- an EPC is to be displayed in commercial buildings larger than 250m² that;
(a) are frequently visited by public and
(b) where an EPC has previously been produced on the sale, rent or construction of that building
- the energy performance of existing buildings of any size that undergo major renovations to be upgraded in order to meet minimum energy performance requirements. Currently, there is a threshold of 1,000m²
- minimum energy performance requirements to be set in respect of technical building systems, e.g. boilers, air-conditioning units etc
- Commission to establish common principles for definition of low and zero carbon (LZC) buildings. The definition of LZC to be determined by Member States but it must be in accordance with the principles set by the commission
To set targets for increase in LZC buildings with separate targets for:
– new and refurbished dwellings
– new and refurbished commercial buildings
– buildings occupied by public authorities
- Member States to aim for cost optimal levels of energy performance of their buildings using a methodology developed by the Commission
- The Commission are proposing that the Directive should be implemented by 31 December 2010 where proposals affect the public sector and 31 January 2012 for other buildings.
A full copy of the consultation can be downloaded with details of response here
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