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Low Carbon Homes Scheme

The Low Carbon Homes Scheme is a new rate relief scheme which came into effect on 1 April 2010. It aims to encourage the building of low and zero carbon homes in Northern Ireland. Find out more by visiting www.nidirect.gov.uk/low-carbon-homes.htm or if you are an On-Construction Energy Assessor and would like to find out more about assessing new homes for these schemes visit www.bre.co.uk/lowcarbonhomesschemeni

• Recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
  Download the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2010/31/EU)
• Report non-compliance with the EPB Regulations
• Contact the Department with a query or complaint
• To search for an accredited energy assessor for your local area visit www.niepcregister.com
• Commercial EPC Conventions, Issue 1
  These conventions for Non-Domestic Accreditation Schemes must be applied by all schemes by 1 June 2010. The Conventions will be included in future quality assurance checks thereafter. Any EPCs lodged after the implementation date must, therefore, follow these Conventions
  Download a copy of the Commercial EPC Conventions, Issue 1
  

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 constructed or being marketed for sale or rent 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.