Industry to plead for more advice on energy directive

A panel of sustainability experts is to lobby the government for vital information on how to implement new European legislation for making offices and public buildings greener.

Figures from across the industry will meet in May to discuss the energy certification of non-domestic buildings, part of the European Performance of Buildings Directive.

The meeting has been delayed since January, as the group has been waiting for the government to release details of how non-domestic buildings will be rated.

The most recent information was published in July 2004. The legislation, which will "name and shame" insufficiently green buildings, came into force on 1 January 2006.

David Strong, chairman of the Directive Implementation Advisory Group, which advises the ODPM on how best to implement the directive, said the group was awaiting instructions from the government.

A statement promised by the ODPM is due any day now

David Strong, DIAG

He said: "There has been a statement promised by the ODPM which is due any day now. It should lay out implementation plans. We have no idea what the certificate will look like for non-domestic dwellings."

An ODPM spokesperson said: "Home sales will require a certificate from June 2007 alongside the introduction of Home Information Packs. We will make an announcement shortly on the timescale for implementation for commercial buildings."

The government has concentrated on implementing Part L, also part of the EPBD, but focus is now shifting to other aspects of the directive.

Energy labelling of buildings will have a profound effect upon the commercial property market as companies try to offload poorly rated buildings and build low-carbon ones instead.

Certification applies to all buildings, but those visited by a large number of people, occupied by public authorities or "providing public services", must have an energy certificate displayed in an area clearly visible to the public.