The European Union has been concerned about the energy efficiency of buildings situated in its membered states for some time. They are also concerned about CO2 emmissions from properties, and their effect on climate change.
The Directive will focus on four main factors:- 1. Minimum requirments for the energy performance of all new buildings. 2. Minimum requirments for the energy performance of large existing buildings subject to majority innovation. 3. Energy certification of all buildings. 4. Regular mandatory inspection of boilers and air conditioning units.
In January 2003 the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was made public. This directive will have a massive impact for awareness of residential properties, operations of commercial buildings as well as the development of new buildings.
The Energy Performance Certificate is the way in which the EU Directive will be implemented in the U.K, and will be included as part of the governments Home Information Packs.