Energy Rating Systems
A European Union Directive has seen the introduction of a new energy rating system for buildings, and it is now compulsory for owners of properties in the United Kingdom to be able to produce an Energy performance certificate when selling or renting a house. This regulation has been brought about by a commitment the EU made to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 8 per cent by 2010. It is believed that his move will significantly reduce the amount of emissions. Regulations need to be backed up with implementation and by introducing energy performance certificates, it is hoped that energy waste will be minimized from households and commercial buildings.
An energy performance certificate (commercial epc) will also predict the cost of the bills for the property based on the rating. Energy Performance Certificates are part of a Home Information Pack, which was bought into effect as part of the 2004 Housing Act. It is compulsory for any property on the market to have a complete pack, which is intended to present to a buyer in plain English the state of the property in terms of condition and energy efficiency. The information that is now required prior to sale or rental may well prompt property owners to improve the energy efficiency of a building, but to what extent this will affect carbon dioxide emissions for the UK remains to be seen.
