EPBD UK
Following the Kyoto Protocol, the EU established EPBD in January 2003 to ensure sufficient CO2 reductions from European buildings. The primary objective is to incentivise widespread improvement of their energy efficiency. The beauty of this that its criteria apply more to industrially developed nations due to their carbon intensity.
The UK governments interpretation of embedding EPBD recognises 3 streams of certification, required by both the private and public sectors:
- Part L of the Building Regulations
There is a set of new Approved Documents: L1A for new dwellings, L1B for work in existing dwellings (including extensions), L2A for new non-domestic buildings and L2B for work in existing nondomestic buildings.
Essentially it has to be demonstrated that the annual CO2 emissions from the proposed
building will not exceed a target level that is established by reference to the calculated
emissions from a notional gas-heated building of the same size and shape as the proposed building. The notional building complies precisely with the minimum requirements of the 2002 Part L regulations and, to establish the target emissions, an improvement factor is applied, i.e. as well implementing the EPBD the new regulations also raise the performance standards.
Similar provisions are expected for Northern Ireland from November 2006 and for Scotland from May 2007.
See relevant Approved Documents Part L in our Building Regulations Section.
- Boiler and Air Conditioning Inspections
It gives two options for boilers. The first requires a regular inspection of boilers with rated
output of 20-100 kW, and for boilers over 100 kW an inspection every two years (or four
years if gas-fired). For boilers over 20 kW and older than 15 years, there must be a one-off inspection of the entire heating system, including an assessment of boiler efficiency and size compared with the heating requirements. Advice must be given on replacement of boilers, modifications to the system and alternative solutions. The second option requires the Government to ensure there is adequate advice on boiler replacement and other modifications to heating systems so as to improve overall energy efficiency.
Air conditioning systems over 12 kW output will need to have regular inspections, including an assessment of efficiency and sizing of plant compared with the cooling requirements of the building. The 12 kW threshold applies to the total air conditioning plant supplying the premises concerned rather than to individual chillers. The inspections, which could become part of regular maintenance, will be based on observations of the condition of the plant and provisions for its control, rather than quantitative measurements. The key outcome of an inspection will be a report giving appropriate advice for the operation of the plant, the air distribution system, etc.
- EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates)
EPCs are required for both domestic and non-domestic new builds, majorly refurbished, sold or let out. The certificates are valid for 10 years from issue and underpin the MEES standard, whereby a building cannot be sold or let with an energy rating below E.
For more information, please visit https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en
Information credit to: https://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/Scotland/Energy_Performance_of_Buildings_Directive_(EPBD).pdf
Brian Anderson, BRE
