The EU Energy performance of Buildings Directive

A Government requirement for buildings to have an energy performance certificate will be phased in between now and October 2008.

The certificates will show how energy efficient a building is, and how much carbon dioxide it emits into the atmosphere. Like the stickers found on new washing machines and fridges, the certificates will include an energy rating from A-G. A being the best and G being the worst.

There will be 2 main forms of certificate:

Energy performance Certificates (EPCs), required when buildings are constructed, sold or rented out, based on calculated energy use and carbon dioxide emissions (called asset ratings) and valid for 10 years.

Display energy certificates (DECs), required in large buildings occupied by     public authorities and certain public institutions, based on actual energy used (operational ratings) and renewed annually.

Later this year the Government will consult on extending operational ratings, based on actual energy use, to more non domestic buildings, public and private.