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The Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) in Northern Ireland

How to find an accredited assessor for your property

To search for an accredited energy assessor for your local area visit www.niepcregister.com

To search for an accredited air conditioning energy assessor visit www.niepcregister.com or contact the accreditation schemes

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) - important information on unmetered and campus based DECs issued on 28 February 2011

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.