It isn't just individuals who are now identified by regulated procedures!

The building sector is thought to account for approximately 40% of the EU’s total energy consumption and 50% of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions.

The Government has brought in further regulations (in accordance with EU Directives) with a view to reduce emissions. These cover the following:

An EPC should include:

1. EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) – already included in HIPs and required on the construction of all new dwellings from 6th April 2008 but now also to include commercial buildings for sale or rental with a useful floor area of 10,000 sq.m. (to be reduced to 2,500 sq.m. from 1st July 2008 and to include all commercial buildings from 1st October 2008); for flats the dates are the same but the regulations are a little more involved. Buildings that do not have fixed heating, mechanical ventilation or air conditioning are not covered by the EPC regulations.

2. DECs (Display Energy Certificates) – now to be displayed in larger buildings occupied by public authorities (or buildings where the public frequently visit) where total floor area is over 1000 sq. m. from 1st October 2008.

3. Air conditioning systems with more than 250 Kw output which must be inspected at regular intervals, with an inspection report available from 4th January 2009 (to be reduced to 12 Kw from 4th January 2011).

4. The energy assessors who provide the EPCs and the DECs and air-conditioning reports and who must be accredited to a professional organisation.

An EPC should include:

1. An asset rating between A-G which relates to energy performance (A being the most efficient) which for homes should include an environmental impact rating to indicate the carbon dioxide emissions

2. A reference value being a benchmark asset rating which for a dwelling is considered to be E

3. A reference number under which the EPC is registered

4. The address of the building.

5. An estimate of total useful floor area of the building.

6. The date of issue, the name of the assessor and his approved accreditated scheme.

Bear in mind an EPC is valid for 10 years but should be not more than 12 months old when the property is marketed and once registered must be stored for 20 years. No details of the owner or occupier should be referred to in it.

Hansell Wilkes & Co