What are the Energy Performance of Building Regulations (EPBR)?

In 2002 the EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings was introduced. The notion was to make people aware of the impact of climate change and reduce the energy consumption of buildings and carbon emissions.

The principle behind the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations (EPBR) is to make the energy efficiency of a building transparent and recommend energy efficiency improvements.

What are the routes to compliance?

The EPBR legislation consolidates the following compliance regulations:

  • Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which must be produced for certain domestic dwellings and non-domestic premises when they are sold or let
  • Display Energy Certificates (DECs), mandatory for public buildings that are frequently visited by the public above 250m2 and must be displayed in the building
  • Air Conditioning Inspections, which must be carried out and a report produced for systems with an output greater than 12kW. Inspections must be completed no more than five years apart.

So, the EPBR is an important piece of legislation you should know about, whether you are a public or private organisation.

Benefits beyond compliance

Organisations can also undertake voluntary assessments. This is an excellent way to have an objective energy assessment of a building. An energy report includes assessments and will highlight initiatives that may be undertaken to improve the future energy rating, reduce energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

EPC

An EPC gives a building an Asset Rating (grade A to G) showing how energy efficient the building’s structure and systems are. EPCs are required in letting or selling a building and as long as no major renovation has occurred on the building, an EPC only needs to be renewed every 10 years. But an EPC can work hard for your organisation.

A Recommendation Report accompanies an EPC and helps inform decisions about improving the fabric or heating of the building. It acts as a ready-made business case to secure investment to improve your organisation’s business premises, profile and drive down energy costs.

DEC

A DEC provides details of the actual energy efficiency of a building and gives an Operational Rating (grade A to G) showing an “at a glance” picture of your last year’s CO2 emissions. DECs must be accompanied by a valid Recommendation Report. The report is a great resource for public sector organisations as it contains recommendations for improved energy efficiency and energy performance of the building. For the lifetime of the report, organisations can refer to this to make decisions about making physical improvements or running an engagement campaign to motivate staff to support energy saving initiatives.

Air Conditioning Inspection

As part of improving efficiencies, an Air Conditioning Inspection report provides information on the condition of the plant and how it is maintained. It also provides data on how it is operated, the system designs and produces recommendations to improve energy efficiency. It also identifies faults within the system which could potentially cause a breakdown or reduce the efficiency of the system.

For help with the EPBR legislation, whether you’re a private or public organisation and to book an objective energy assessment, get in touch.

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