Key aspects of the Certificates include (see also article 7 of the EPBD):
- They shall be available when buildings are constructed, sold or rented out - so they are applicable to existing buildings as well as new ones.
- They should be accompanied by recommendations for cost-effective improvement of the energy performance including reference values such as benchmarks
- For public buildings the Certificate has to be publicly displayed (note: the definition of "public buildings" is unclear and implementation may differ between Member States)
- Certificates cannot have a validity of more than 10 years, and some Member States may apply shorter periods.
Author: Roger HITCHIN (BRE)
Date: 07/04/06
A number of European Standards are being developed in parallel with the implementation of the Directive(see also Information Paper P02). Unless national legislation demands it, they are not mandatory. However, when agreed, they should represent good practice. Many countries are taking note of the draft standards in their implementation. Some standards are likely to be further developed as experience in implementing the Directive is gained. Over time it is probable that the range of national implementation mechanisms will tend to become less diverse and will instead reflect the developed European Standards.
The draft standards are due to be issued for formal voting during 2006. If accepted, they will become full CEN standards in 2007.
Author: Roger HITCHIN (BRE)
Date: 07/04/06
Member States have discretion in how they implement the Directive as long as they satisfy its requirements. Depending on their legal and building control systems together with their existing infrastructure and practices, different countries will implement it in different ways. Over time, some procedures may become more widespread than others.
Author: Roger HITCHIN (BRE)
Date: 07/04/06
An "Asset" Rating is:
- a calculated rating based on standard weather and building use
- similar in principle to "typical use" consumption figures for cars
- useful when comparing two buildings with different users, i.e. provides like-for-like figures
An "Operational" Rating is:
- based on measured energy use
- takes how the building is used and managed
- useful for energy managers and potential users of the building because it includes factors they control.
NB. the relevant CEN standards have adopted the terms "Calculated Rating" and "Measured Rating". These are equivalent to "Asset Ratings" and "Operational Ratings" respectively.
Author: Roger HITCHIN (BRE)
Date: 07/04/06
They serve two purposes:
1. Purchasers and renters of buildings will be able to compare the energy performance of different buildings before signing. While Energy Performance Regulations require minimum standards, performance ratings will identify buildings that go beyond this to achieve higher specification.
2. Building and energy managers will be able to compare their building's energy performance with other buildings and identify possible improvements (these could include better operational practices or modifications to the fabric or services)
Author: Roger HITCHIN (BRE)
Date: 07/04/06
Key aspects of the Certificates include (see also article 7 of the EPBD):
- They shall be available when buildings are constructed, sold or rented out - so they are applicable to existing buildings as well as new ones.
- They should be accompanied by recommendations for cost-effective improvement of the energy performance including reference values such as benchmarks
- For public buildings the Certificate has to be publicly displayed (note: the definition of "public buildings" is unclear and implementation may differ between Member States)
- Certificates cannot have a validity of more than 10 years, and some Member States may apply shorter periods.
Author: Roger HITCHIN (BRE)
Date: 07/04/06
This Directive lays down requirements as regards (see article 1 of EPBD):
(a) the general framework for calculation methodology the integrated energy performance of buildings, i.e. there must be in each Member State one or more calculation methods for determining the integrated energy performance of buildings;
(b) the application of minimum requirements for the energy performance of new buildings;
(c) the application of minimum requirements for the energy performance of large existing buildings that are subject to major renovation;
(d) the energy certification of buildings; and
(e) the regular inspection of boilers and of air-conditioning systems in buildings and in addition an assessment of the heating installations in which the boilers are more than 15 years old.
Author: Roger HITCHIN (BRE)
Date: 07/04/06
According to the European Climate Change Programme, the Directive could deliver a reduction of up to 45 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2010. In order to meet the agreed Kyoto targets, the European Union must implement reductions of 330 million tonnes between 1990 and 2010.
Author: Roger HITCHIN (BRE)
Date: 07/04/06
The 160 million buildings in the EU use over 40% of Europe's energy and create over 40% of its carbon dioxide emissions, and this proportion is increasing. Under the Kyoto protocol, Europe is committed to reducing emissions and the Directive is intended to contribute to this. The cost effective savings potential is around 22% of present consumption in buildings that can be realised by 2010.
Author: Roger HITCHIN (BRE)
Date: 07/04/06
Details and full Information on infringement procedures can be found here: ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy_transport/infringements/index_en.htm
For specific information regarding infringement procedures in relation to the EPBD (2002/0091), please visit eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc
Author: Sabrina PRIEUS (BBRI)
Date: 14/05/08
Information on the recasting technique by the European Commission is available here: http://ec.europa.eu/governance/better_regulation/codif_recast_en.htm
For information on the main problems, main policy objectives, and policy options, the List of Strategic and Priority Initiatives can be accessed here: clwp2008_roadmap.pdf
You may also find of interest the details and information from the conference and discussion on the recasting of the EPBD which is available at: http://www.buildup.eu
Author: Sabrina PRIEUS (BBRI)
Date: 14/05/08