Energy performance certificates (EPCs), display energy certificates (DEC) and air-conditioning inspections have been introduced to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
Energy performance certificates (EPC)
If you are building, selling or renting out a building, you must get an EPC for the building. This includes domestic, commercial and public buildings. The certificate provides an A-G energy efficiency rating and recommendations on how to improve the energy rating of the building. The ratings are standard, so you can compare the energy efficiency of one building with another building of a similar type.
If you are constructing a new building, when it is physically complete, you must obtain an EPC for the building.
If you are selling or renting out a building you must make sure a valid EPC is available as soon as possible.
An EPC must be produced by an accredited energy assessor. Check that the assessor is a member of an accreditation scheme and has the appropriate qualifications or competence for the type of work you want them to carry out.
EPCs are valid for 10 years.
In Scotland public buildings must display their EPCs. Certificates must be displayed in prominent places within buildings with a floor area over 1000m2 that are occupied by public authorities or institutions and visited by the public.
Display energy certificates (DEC)
In England, Northern Ireland and Wales large public buildings must have a DEC to let the public to see how energy efficient the building is. The certificate shows the building’s energy use, called the operational rating, which is shown on a scale of A-G.
DECs are required for buildings with a total usable floor area over 1000m2 that are occupied by a public authority or institution providing a public service to a large number of people and frequently visited by the public. This includes public leisure centres, libraries, hospitals, schools, police stations, courts and government buildings.
The certificate comes with an advisory report that lists cost effective measures which could improve the energy rating of the building.
The DEC must be displayed at all times in a prominent place and clearly visible to the public.
A DEC and advisory report must be produced by an accredited energy assessor who is accredited to produce display energy certificates for that type of building. A DEC is valid for one year and the advisory report is valid for seven years.
Air-conditioning inspections for buildings
If you have an air-conditioning system, you should keep it maintained to ensure that it does not use too much energy.
If your air-conditioning system has an output of over 12kW, you need to meet certain requirements for inspecting your systems.
In England, Northern Ireland and Wales, if your air-conditioning system has an output over 250kW you must make sure that it is inspected at least every five years. From January 2011, all remaining systems over 12kW must have had their first inspection. If your system was first put into service on or after 1 January 2008, it must have its first inspection within five years of the date when it was first put into service.
In Scotland if your air-conditioning system has an output over 250kW, it must have been inspected by 4 January 2011. If your air-conditioning system has an output between 12kW and 250kW, it must have been inspected by 4 January 2013. If your system was first put into service on or after 1 May 2007, it must have its first inspection within five years of the date when it was first put into service.
Inspections must be carried out at least every five years by an accredited energy assessor who will assess the efficiency of the system and advise on improvements.
Further information
England and Wales
Business Link: Energy performance of buildings
Communities and Local Government: Energy performance of buildings
Northern Ireland
Department of Finance and Personnel: Energy performance of buildings
Scotland
Scottish Building Standards Agency: Energy performance certificates
Scottish Building Standards Agency: Air-conditioning systems
In this guideline:
Why should you save energy?
Energy performance of buildings
Energy efficicency tips
Energy efficiency support organisations
Energy efficiency further information
Energy efficiency legislation
