Energy Efficiency
Background
A new European directive came into force in 2003 (Energy Performance of Buildings) to create a common framework to promote the improvement of energy performance of buildings across the EU, which has now been incorporated into UK legislation. One of the requirements is the introduction of Energy Performance certificates (EPCs). Energy certificates rate the energy performance of a building. The idea is similar to the well-established energy labels for the sale of white goods such as fridges and washing machines. Two types of energy certificate are required in different circumstances: Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for all buildings when they are constructed, sold or rented out; and Display Energy Certificates (DECs) for large, public buildings occupied by public authorities or institutions providing a public service to a large number of persons which need to be displayed at all times. The introduction of EPCs is being done in a phased manner with the sale of all domestic properties needing them from December 2007 (there are some exceptions).
Selling your home
If you are selling your house you will now need to obtain a Home Information Pack (HIP) for your property which encompasses several documents including an Energy performance certificate. The certificates are commissioned by the seller (or their agent) from an accredited Energy Assessor, who visits the property to collect the relevant data and creates the certificate. This data includes the date, construction and location of the house and relevant fittings (heating systems, insulation or double glazing, for example).
An Energy Performance Certificate shows the official energy efficiency rating of a property. The certificate provides you with a rating for the building, showing its energy efficiency and its environmental impact on a scale from A-G (where A is the most efficient and G the least efficient), in graphical format. It also contains recommended ways to improve the building's energy performance.
Improving the energy efficiency of your home can mean either making changes to the building, or simply changing your behaviour to save energy. Energy Performance Certificates will give you advice on both of these areas.
Installing energy-efficient measures
Here is a list of some of the measures that the certificate might recommend:
Low-energy light bulbs. These last up to 12 times longer and use around 80 per cent less energy than traditional filament bulbs
Hot water tank jackets. These cost from around £10, and can cut heat loss by around 75 per cent
Loft insulation. Fitting insulation that is at least 250mm thick could cut heat loss by around 30 per cent
Cavity wall insulation. If you have unfilled cavity walls, installing insulation could cut heat loss by over 30 per cent.
For more information:
www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/consumer/1_home.html
Other buildings including newly constructed buildings, commercial premises, properties for rent, public display certificates and air conditioning units are to be phased in from April 2008.
For more information:
www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/theenvironment/energyperformance/
Failure to have a valid Home Information Pack or EPC certificate in place is subject to a penalty charge notice which can be issued by local Trading Standards Service and Building Control sections of district council (depending on property). The amounts of penalty charge notices varies between £200 - £1000 depending on the type of property.
Your Home – Four simple tips for consumers
Optimise the natural light in your home.
Turn off appliances at the switch rather than using the “standby” mode.
Use low-energy bulbs.
Turn your thermostat down by one degree.
Useful Internet Sites:
www.est.org.uk The Energy Saving Trust
Tel. No: 0800 512 012
A non-profit organisation funded by government and the private sector provides information and impartial advice of the efficient use of energy.
www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy The Carbon Trust
Helping organisations of all sizes to cut their energy bills and carbon emission with practical advice, free publications, free loans and onsite surveys.