What is the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive?

Directive 2002/19/EC of the European Parliament and Council, on the energy performance of buildings, came into force on 04 January 2003.

All EU members were then allowed up to three years to incorporate the directive into national law. It has been noted by the European energy commissioner that a cost effective saving of around 22% of present consumption in buildings, prior to the implementation of the Directive, can be realised by 2010. The European Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is designed to raise awareness of energy use in buildings within commercial and public forums. This will hopefully lead to improved building design, with increased investment in energy efficiency technologies for new buildings and the existing stock.

Click here to download Part L1a Regulations _ ResidentialOutline of the Directives requirements:

  • Methodology to calculate the energy performance of buildings
  • Minimum requirements for the energy performance of new buildings;
  • The application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of large existing buildings that are subject to major renovation;
  • Energy certification of buildings
  • Regular inspection of boilers and of air-conditioning systems in buildings and in addition an assessment of the heating installation in which the boilers are more than 15 years old

Other considerations include:

  • The provision of more airtight construction and the ways in which sealing can be affected in new buildings and improved or repaired in existing ones
  • Improving the controllability of natural ventilation systems to minimise over ventilation

Click here to download Part L2a Regulations - CommercialWhat is the impact on regulatory requirements within the UK?

To address the issues of energy use in buildings, the Approved Document Part L of the Building Regulations – Conservation of Fuel and Power was introduced on the 1st April 2002. For the first time a framework was proposed that would produce an assessment of the total energy performance of new buildings. Three different approaches; Elemental, Whole Building or Carbon Emissions Calculation Method could prove compliance in ascending order of complexity. The route chosen would satisfy Building Regulations at design stage. Some compliance testing was also introduced to monitor “as built performance”.

The most recent revision of the Approved Document Part L was enforced from the 6th April 2006. This encompassed four documents, covering new and refurbishments to existing buildings. L1A and L1B relate to new and existing dwellings; whilst L2A and L2B set the requirements for new and existing non-domestic buildings. A further revision is anticipated in 2010.

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Energy - Flagship Projects

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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