What is an EPC, DEC and a EPBD?
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances. These certificates are for all buildings and will be required whenever a building is constructed, rented or sold.
the EPC is to record how energy efficient a building is. The certificate provides a rating of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building on a scale from A to G (A is very efficient and G is very inefficient)
EPCs
are produced using SBEM (a computer based calculation model incorporating Benchmark values)
An EPC is always accompanied
by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures to improve the energy
rating of the building.
When are assessments required?
An Energy Performance Certificate is only required when a building is constructed, sold or rented out.
DEC (Display Energy Certificate)
Display
Energy Certificates (DECs) show the actual energy usage of a building,
the Operational Rating, and help the public see the energy efficiency
of a building. The DEC should be
clearly displayed at all times in a prominent place clearly visible to
the public. A DEC is always accompanied by an Advisory Report that
lists cost effective measures to improve the energy rating of the
building. The
requirement for Display Energy Certificates came into effect on 1
October 2008.
Display Energy Certificates are only
required for buildings that are occupied by a public authority or an
institution providing a public service to a large number of persons
that with a total useful area greater than 1000m2. Display Energy
Certificates are valid for one year. The accompanying Advisory Report
is valid for 7 years.
EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings)
New measures to improve the energy performance of our buildings
Our buildings are responsible for almost 50 per cent of the UK's energy
consumption and carbon emissions. Communities and Local Government is
introducing measures in England, Scotland and Wales to improve the energy
efficiency of our buildings, including:
introducing energy performance certificates for properties providing
A-G efficiency ratings and recommendations for improvement requiring
public buildings to display energy certificates.
Since 1 October 2008 all
properties - homes, commercial and public buildings - when bought,
sold, built or rented will need an EPC. Public buildings of 1000 sq metres and over will
also need to display an energy certificate.
This work is part of European legislation - the Energy Performance of
Buildings Directive.