Energy Performance Certificates now required for all sales and rentals in Northern Ireland

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are now compulsory for all new rentals and marketed sales in Northern Ireland from the end of December 2008. This marks the final phase of implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations (NI) 2008. EPCs have been compulsory for marketed houses since 30 June 2008 and for new build properties since 30 September 2008.

The purpose of these certificates is to depict an energy rating for the building – similar to the colour coded ratings on electrical appliances – and to recommend how to improve that rating. Seeing the building’s energy efficiency depicted clearly should encourage people to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings in which they live and work. Commenting on the implementation of the final phase of EPC requirements, Head of DFP Properties Division Dr Philip Irwin said: “Potential buyers or tenants will now be able to compare the energy efficiency of any properties they may wish to purchase or rent, whether it is a new home or a commercial property. The recommendation report that accompanies the EPC gives cost-effective recommendations on how to further improve your building’s energy performance, which may result in reduced energy bills.

”The introduction of these requirements fulfils an obligation placed on all Member States by an EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings.

You can find out more about EPCs by visiting www.epb.dfpni.gov.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations (NI) 2008 were made on 10 April 2008. They introduce a requirement to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when a building is constructed, sold or rented.
2. An EPC may only be produced by a trained and accredited assessor. National Occupational Standards have been developed by Asset Skills (the Sector Skills Council for the Property, Facilities Management, Housing and Cleaning industries) to define the skills and knowledge required to apply to join an accreditation scheme and become licensed to practice as an Energy Assessor. National calculation methodologies used in the calculation of energy performance and the production of Energy Performance Certificates have been developed from software which is used to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations
3. The Regulations provide for a 3-phased implementation of the certification requirements as follows:
   30 June 2008: Sale of existing dwellings
   30 September 2008: Construction of new buildings
   30 December 2008: Rental of existing buildings; sale of existing non-dwellings.
4. In addition to the production of EPCs, the Regulations also introduce a requirement for large public buildings that are visited by the public to display prominently a Display Energy Certificate. This is similar to an EPC but derives its rating from the actual energy consumed by the building in a 12-month period.
5. The Regulations also establish an inspection regime for all air conditioning systems over 12 kW output.
6. The Regulations implement the requirements of Articles 7, 9 and 10 of the European Directive 2002/91 on the energy performance of buildings. Other requirements in this Directive were implemented by amendments to the Building Regulations Part F (Conservation of fuel & power) made in August 2006.
7. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.