Why are the Certificates being introduced?

Why is there a need to assess buildings for their carbon dioxide emissions?

The global climate is changing; this has been attributed to a now widely accepted phenomenon, known as the greenhouse effect. The continual increase of the world’s population and improving standards of living have resulted in an ever growing requirement for energy to facilitate demand. Whilst the search for new sources of energy and types of fuel has previously been the priority, there has now been a shift towards finding methods of reducing demand. This has been partially realised through improved efficiency of production machinery and transport vehicles. Analysis of the breakdown of energy use by sector reveals that the processes providing space heating within buildings are a significant contributor to the overall figure.

The 160 million buildings in the European Union use over 40% of Europe’s energy and create over 40% of its carbon dioxide emissions. These percentage contributions are continuing to rise. Under the Kyoto protocol, all member states are committed to either curb, or reduce their total CO2 emissions, depending on the country’s current output.

Energy Performance Certificates from HRS Services Limited

What is expected of us under the Kyoto Treaty?

In 1997 the UK Government signed up to the Kyoto treaty. This stipulated that all ratified states would enter an agreement to either curb, or reduce their total greenhouse gas emissions, depending on the country’s current output.

What the UK Government signed up to.

The UK target was set at a 12.5% reduction of 1990 greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2008 – 2012. This covers a basket of six greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydro fluorocarbons, per fluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride), weighted for their global warming impact. Carbon dioxide is thought to account for half of the warming effect associated with greenhouse-gas emissions. UK carbon dioxide emissions currently account for about 2% of the global total. Building energy use currently accounts for 46% of total UK energy consumption, resulting in the release of 66 million tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere.

In addition to their Kyoto requirement, the UK government also imposed a more stringent domestic target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions to 20% below 1990 levels by 2010. A long term strategy was revealed in February 2003, when the Government released the White Paper entitled “Our energy future – creating a low carbon economy”. The target set by the Government is to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 60% by 2050 (excluding aviation and shipping). The target is based on a report by the Royal Commission for Environmental Pollution (2000), which estimates that reductions in the region of 60% relative to current day emissions would be required by 2050 to prevent CO2 concentrations exceeding safe limits.

How is the UK helping to achieve this?

It is hoped that this will be achieved by an increased reliance on renewable energy for production of electricity and a speeding up of changes to Building Regulations and setting tougher standards for energy efficiency in new homes, refurbishments and electrical products.

Logos for various bodies

Energy - Flagship Projects

Click headings to read more

Show all scroller content

HRS carry out SBEM carbon emissions (BRUKL) calculations & EPC

for an industrial development comprising 13 units

SBEM calculations & EPC for an office development

incorporating a bivalent heating system to assist with Part L compliance

EPC for a refurbished existing healthcare building

Site audit carried out by HRS to establish actual built construction type & dimensions

SAP & EPC accreditation for a 195 apartment development

SAP ratings & Energy Performance Certification was produced within two weeks