November 20, 2002—At a conference to review the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which has been adopted by the EU Council of Ministers, there was overwhelming support for its introduction in the UK as soon as possible.
Around 200 delegates attended the conference, held by the Institute of Energy and The Building Research Establishment (BRE), on October 29. Subsequently a one-day workshop was held for 30 specialists and practitioners associated with the Directives building energy labelling requirements.
The Directive has far reaching implications for the owners, operators and developers of UK buildings. A number of issues concerning its introduction were identified during the conference and workshop.
The key provisions of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive are:
- minimum requirements for the energy performance of all new buildings,
- minimum requirements for the energy performance of large existing buildings subject to major renovation,
- energy certification of all buildings (with frequently visited buildings providing public services being required to prominently display the energy certificate), and
- regular mandatory inspection of boilers and air conditioning systems in buildings.
“The Directive provides an excellent opportunity to achieve substantial improvements in the energy performance of buildings,” says Professor David Strong, Managing Director of BREs Energy Division.
“The energy efficiency industry is keen to engage with Government and property-owning interests to achieve transposition into law and practical and enforceable implementation on time. We strongly recommend that work needs to start immediately to ensure that the Directive is adopted in the UK well within the three year deadline set by the EU.”
For further information, contact David Strong, at 01923 664237.
