Do I Need an EPC or DEC?

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2006

The EPBD 2006 was introduced in January 2006 with a 3 year implementation period ending in January 2009. Many companies are not aware of the impending legislation that may affect them very soon. Initial penalties for failing to carry out inspections or for not displaying the required certificate are expensive starting at £500 which increases to £1,000 if an advisory report is not carried out.

There are two types of energy certificates that may be required for commercial buildings and mandatory legislation for all buildings with Air Conditioning over a certain size.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will be required for all buildings on construction, sale or lease from October 2008.

The energy certificate includes an energy rating, from “A” to “G” similar to the ratings already displayed on white goods as well as advice on how to make cost effective improvements to the building to make it more energy efficient. Just consider who will want to rent or buy a “G” rated building?

All Air Conditioning with a combined capacity over 250kW must be inspected from January 2008. All Air Conditioning with a combined capacity of over 12kW must be examined before January 2011.

A Display Energy Performance Certificate (DEC) will be required for all Public Authority buildings and institutions providing a public service with a floor area over 1,000m² from 6th April 2008.

This currently includes schools, colleges, and council offices, universities, hospitals and any other publicly owned building accessed by the public. It is likely that the government may extend this requirement to all large publicly owned buildings at a later date.

Both EPC’s & DEC’s must be accompanied with a report that provides recommendations on how the energy performance of the building can be improved.

Only accredited Energy Performance Certificate Assessors will be able to carry out assessments to produce a DEC. Furthermore, The Directive states that the EPC’s are produced in an independent manner by qualified experts. It’s now becoming a key requirement for businesses to show what they are doing to reduce their impact on our environment. This requirement will only grow as more and more legislation is drawn up.

If you think you may be affected or indeed looking for ways to reduce your energy consumption and increase your buildings rating, ring Emtac Ltd for friendly advice from one of our consultants, alternatively send us a facsimile or email and we will contact you. Telephone: 01909 564044 Fax 01909 564666 or Email emtacltd@btconnect.com