EPC and DEC Certificates-Explained!
The EU Kyoto Protocol states that all European Countries must reduce gas emissions by 2012. To be able to achieve these reductions the EU has introduced a directive for the Energy Performance of Buildings. Here in the UK, the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2007 came into force in April 2008. This will reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by 100 million tonnes each year.
What exactly do the regulations involve? How does this affect me? What is a DEC Certificate? When is this put into action?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) and Display Energy Certificates (DEC’s) are being introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The Certificates measure the energy efficiency of a building. Buildings will be graded from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). An advisory report will be provided, but at the moment there is no legal requirement to carry out the recommendations.
It will be a legal requirement that all commercial buildings are rated for energy efficiency. This takes the form of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). In addition all public occupiers with a floor area over 1000m2 will need to display a DEC.
Display Energy Certificates are mandatory for public occupiers of large buildings and focus on actual energy consumption. These will require annual renewal and regular inspections.
From October 2008 owners and landlords need an EPC certificate for construction, sale or letting of all commercial buildings, and a DEC certificate for any government owned buildings.
Exceptions to EPC:
Places of worship
Stand Alone Dwellings under 50m2
Temporary Buildings (Life expectancy less than 2 years)
Industrial Premises where space is mostly not heated or cooled
Buildings scheduled for demolition within 2 years
