The Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB)
Forthcoming Seminars at the Balmoral Hotel, Belfast on 16th and 17th September 2008.The Department will be holding information seminars on the legislation and training related to the production of Display Energy Performance Certificates (DECs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for non-domestic buildings. Details of the events are as follows: 16th September, morning session - Display Energy Certificates (DECs) for Public Buildings; 16th September, afternoon session - Voluntary Display Energy Certificates (VDECs) for the Private Sector; and 17th September - Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for non-demestic buildings, including new-builds, rentals and sales. To download the full agenda for all of the events please see epc seminars agenda.pdf. To book a place, please contact Asset Skills at www.assetskills.org/PropertyAndPlanning/EPBDEvents.asp. |
New measures to improve the energy performance of buildings in Northern Ireland
Our 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 introducing measures in Northern Ireland to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings, including:
- introducing energy performance certificates for properties providing A-G efficiency ratings and recommendations for improvement
- requiring public buildings to display energy certificates
- requiring inspections for air conditioning systems and
- giving advice and guidance for boiler users.
By 30th December 2008 all properties - homes and commercial - when sold, built or rented will need an energy performance certificate (EPC). Public buildings will also need to 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 must adopt.
