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• As of 4 January 2010 all air-conditioning systems having an effective rated output of more than 250 kW have to be inspected and have an Inspection Report produced. By 4 January 2011 systems with an effective rated output of more than 12kW will have to be inspected and have an Inspection Report produced.
  Download the Department's guide to air-conditioning inspections.
• Report non-compliance with these Regulations
• To search for an accredited energy assessor for your local area visit www.niepcregister.com
  

Measures to improve the energy performance of buildings in Northern Ireland

Buildings are responsible for almost 50% of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Even comparatively minor changes in the energy performance of and the way we use each building would have a significant effect in reducing energy consumption, and hence, carbon emissions.

Given the UK Government's support of the Kyoto Protocol and of its challenging targets for the reduction of carbon emissions, reducing the energy consumption attributable to buildings is a key policy objective.

The Department of Finance and Personnel is responsible for measures in Northern Ireland to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings, including:

• energy performance certificates for properties providing A-G efficiency ratings and recommendations for improvement;
• public buildings to display energy certificates;
• inspections for air conditioning systems; and
• giving advice and guidance for boiler users.

Since 30th December 2008 all properties - homes and commercial - when sold, built or rented require an energy performance certificate (EPC). Large public buildings must also display a display energy performance certificate (DEC).

This initiative is the result of European legislation - the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive - which all member states were required to adopt.