Following European Union (EU) proposals in 2008 the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was adopted and published on 19 May 2010. Its foundation Directive (2001/91/EC), which came into force in December 2002, was an EU response to Kyoto and the need to tackle carbon emissions, and hence climate change, specifically targeted at buildings.

In the UK the Directive saw a phased implementation with changes to the Building Regulations, together with the introduction of new legislation, including The Building and Approved Inspectors (Amendment) Regulations 2006 and The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspectors) (England And Wales) Regulations 2007.

In combination, these changes broadly sought to:

•   Produce a standard means of calculating the energy performance of buildings

•   Certificate performance – Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Display Energy Certificates (DECs) to produce an asset and operational rating respectively

•   Consider energy efficiency for new builds and larger refurbishments

•   Inspect air conditioning systems and boilers (although the latter was dropped from any formal part of the regulation in the UK).

The phasing and implementation of the requirements in the UK were triggered by date, size, construction, sale, let and sector (DECs only applied to qualifying public buildings).

What has been achieved in reducing carbon in the intervening years is difficult to accurately assess. Multiple starts close to the deadline, very patchy if any enforcement and a global recession have all contributed to a feeling of base level, short-term, “certificate compliance” rather than long-term carbon reduction planning.

How the recast seeks to alter this seems to vary dependant on the specific article requirements. The Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) consultation on the recast covered 13 questions, with the majority of respondents supporting the Government’s indicated position.

Some of the main forecast changes within the recast are:

•   By 2020 new buildings will have to consume “nearly zero” energy with a focus on renewables

•   The 1,000m² threshold for refurbishment/renovations will be removed

•   The requirements for issuing EPCs are to be tightened, with more rigorous procedures introduced

•   The qualification size for premises requiring DECs will be reduced from 1,000m² to 250m². This may be phased in, however, with an initial drop to 500m²

•   EPCs, where issued, will be subject to display in commercial premises frequently visited by the public. The original belief was that the 250m² size rule would also apply here, but it is thought this threshold will be increased to 500m²

•   The frequency of air conditioning system inspections could be “lightened” where electronic controls and monitoring are in place.

It will be interesting to see in 2013 – when the final elements of the recast go live and the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme’s introduction phase comes to an end – what will happen. Greater awareness and increasing energy costs should combine with the legislation to push carbon reduction further up the organisational agenda. For those willing to actively drive the process, it should also provide an excellent opportunity for personal, as well as business, recognition. 

Greg Davies, head of service development at independent environmental consultancy Elementus, and member of the Environmental Industries Commission’s Sustainable Buildings Working Group