Commercial Buildings Introduction
Energy Performance Certificates and Display Energy Certificates for public buildings and non-dwellings (commercial) buildings.
Elmhurst Accreditation Approved for new EPBD strands
As previously announced, the Secretary of State has approved Elmhurst Energy Systems to operate an Accreditation Scheme for Energy Assessors that satisfies the certificates and inspections requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations for public buildings and non-dwellings (commercial buildings).
EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
The EPBD requires that EPCs must be implemented throughout England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland no later than 4th January 2009.
The next stage of this implementation in England & Wales introduces a phased implementation, between April and October 2008, for commercial building EPCs upon construction, sale and rental, based on floor area.
In Northern Ireland these requirements will be implemented as of the 30th December 2008.
In Scotland these requirements will be implemented as of the 4th January 2009.
SBEM v SAP
To produce EPCs an approved software methodology must be used: dwellings will use the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) (currently 2005 edition) and for all non-dwellings the use of the Simplified Building Energy Method (SBEM) is prescribed.
EPC Accreditation
In order to produce an EPC in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, an individual must be a registered member of a Government approved Accreditation Scheme, such as that operated by Elmhurst Energy. The role of the Accreditation Scheme is to ensure that all EPCs are produced by persons who are appropriately qualified, insured and subject to strict independent quality standards.
Please note that for Scotland accredited members of our scheme are automatically covered under our protocol with Scottish Buildings Standards (see link). However the Scottish Parliament will require persons interested in working in Scotland to sign an ‘opt in’ document. Information and further details of this will be released as soon as possible.
To find out more about how to produce EPCs for commercial buildings - click here -.