Commercial Buildings Introduction

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. Followed by the requirement for Display Energy Certificates (DECs) on large public buildings from October 2008.

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.

 

Calculation Methodology

To produce the appropriate reports an approved software methodology must be used:

EPCs for dwellings will use the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) (currently 2005 edition)

EPCs for non-dwellings will use of the Simplified Building Energy Method (SBEM).

DECs for public buildings will use an approved Operational Rating (OR) system. Except in Scotland where SBEM is used.

 

Accreditation

In order to produce certificates 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 certificates 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 (existing buildings only) with the Scottish Government (see link). However the Scottish Parliament will require persons interested in working in Scotland to sign an ‘opt in’ document and may have to undertake some additional training - Information and further details of this will be released as soon as possible.

To find out more about how to produce Energy Certificates for commercial or public buildings - click here -.