Majority call for EPCs in smaller public buildings

The Communities department has published responses to proposed changes to the European Performance of Buildings Directive which will impact on energy performance certification of buildings.

One proposal supported by the majority of respondents was that energy certificates should be displayed in all public buildings over 250sq m.

The original EPBD required the introduction of EPCs, display energy certificates and energy saving measures including compulsory air conditioning and boiler inspections.

Suggested changes include making it compulsory to consider alternative energy systems before construction starts which is supported by 96% of respondents.

Ninety-six percent of respondents also supported making it compulsory to include the EPC rating on property advertisements, and 79% said EPC’s should be displayed in buildings used by the public if an EPC has been issued for that building.

Sixty-three percent of respondents said they supported reducing the minimum size of a public building before a display energy certificate is required. The current limit is 1000sq m, the proposal is to reduce this to 250sq m.

Sixty-seven percent of respondents said they supported the proposed timetable for the changes which is the end of this year for proposals affecting public buildings and the end of 2012 for all other buildings.