News analysis EPCs
It’s really important
assessors not to remove any of he still doesn’t understand why an EPC and recognise its value. “The
the recommendations routinely EPC is needed on an empty shell EPC and DEC are very powerful
that we build
included by the software to that just has a cable running to it together. The DEC is an annual
confidence in EPCs.
improve a building’s EPC rating, but no actual services. He is also statement of performance. It’s a
regardless of how inappropriate critical of why a second survey very, very powerful tool because of
– DCLG official
some of these might be, says needs to be done to complete a its simplicity.”
Balian. DEC when a survey was already But Ant Wilson, a director of
The economic recession has completed to do an EPC. consultancy AECOM (formerly
also impacted on the certification But he adds: “I see great Faber Maunsell), argues that an
quality issues?” he asked. “If our process. When EPCs were first opportunities for benchmarking EPC has nothing to do with energy
departments are getting wobbly introduced it was expected that and understanding where we or performance, because it is
then I need to actually turn them 140,000 would be produced over sit against other people in the based on expected CO2 emissions
around, I need to give them the a year. The real figure lodged to business and also in the industry. – while the reality of a building’s
confidence that EPCs and DECs date is about 80,000. DECs have Once we get benchmarking energy usage is that it can end up
are a brilliant starting point. I fared worse, with an estimated then we can start to value these being more heavily occupied than
believe it’s really important that 42,000 expected, but just 25,000 things.” was intended, for example, and so
we build confidence in EPCs.” lodged by mid-May 2009. But, John Field, director of Power appears to be less energy-efficient.
Matthew added that an audit despite the obvious problems Efficiency Ltd, insists EPCs and In the longer term, the DCLG
of accreditation schemes should of quality voiced by Matthew DECs have raised the profile of is aiming to build EPCs and
soon provide the DCLG with and Balian, industry leaders and energy efficiency and carbon the European Performance of
an idea of the poorer-quality developers seem to share the view reduction, but believes that Buildings Directive – under
schemes, which the department that EPCs and DECs are a step in their introduction has created a which EPCs fall – into the UK
can then monitor more closely. the right direction. segmented market: high quality government’s Heat and Energy
He has also mooted the idea of Paul Edwards, head of versus minimum compliance. Saving Strategy, according to
commissioning an audit looking sustainability at Hammerson, has Richard Hipkiss, sales and Matthew. In order to do this,
at the value and quality of EPCs – come round to the idea of EPCs marketing director at i-Prophets discussions surrounding how
to be assessed by DCLG itself. after initially branding them a Energy Services, believes there EPCs should be regulated also
But Matthew also stressed that “disaster”. He argues there was is also a third market – the need to be resolved, with an
the guidance DCLG provides is confusion over what buildings “voluntary” market, where people arm’s-length body to police it a
the bare minimum that assessors needed to be included and says actually take an interest in their possible option. l
should be striving for, and that he
would like to discuss ways with
the industry about how to “raise
Displaying energy performance
the bar on quality”. It is hoped
this would lead to a range of EPCs: The rating is based on the well a building is performing
good-practice guides. An EPC is an Energy Performance performance of the building and based on gas and electricity meter
Jacqueline Balian, managing Certificate that all non-public its services, for example heating, readings. A supplementary report
director of CIBSE Services Ltd, sector properties must have when rather than the appliances within is also supplied with the certificate
agrees that quality is a serious they are sold, built or rented. They it. This is known as an asset rating. suggesting ways in which the
issue, especially as some training took effect fully last October. energy performance of building
courses claim to be able to teach The EPC records how energy DECs: could be improved. Currently
delegates with no previous efficient a building is by rating A DEC, or Display Energy DECs are only required in public
experience to become energy it from ‘A’ (most efficient) to ‘G’ Certificate, shows the actual buildings over 1,000 sq m and
assessors in as little as three days. (least efficient). It also includes a energy consumption, or energy need to be publicly displayed.
Currently there are a number report giving recommendations for performance, of a building in The certificate is valid for one
of accrediting bodies for energy improvement. Each improvement terms of the carbon dioxide year, while the accompanying
assessors – one of which is includes the indicative payback produced. It uses a rating score report is valid for seven.
CIBSE Certification – and some period and carbon impact. between A and G to show how Source: www.businesslink.gov.uk
bodies are allegedly advising
JUNE 09 - R22 SEMINAR:66x190 24/4/09 11:29 Page 1
Time is running out for R22
After 31st December 2009 it will be illegal to use virgin R22 refrigerant for the maintenance or
servicing of air conditioning. Mitsubishi Electric are hosting a series of informative seminars
which will help you understand the impact of this ban on both you and your customers.
To make the most of the business opportunities offered by the phase out of R22:
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www.cibsejournal.com June 2009 CIBSE Journal 17
CIBSEjun09 pp16-17 newsanalysis.indd 17 28/5/09 15:47:59
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