Mitigating Energy Loss

The Implications of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive November 2005

  • New buildings - regulations

Pass level based on overall emissions
(instead of elemental provisions like U-values and heating efficiency)

  • Existing buildings - regulations

Similar to existing: can set requirements for components

  • Energy Performance Certificates- new buildings

When buildings sold or rented

Certificates to provide overall energy indicator

CO2 emissions, kg/mē

SAP rating for dwellings

  • Boiler inspections (> 20 kW)

Regular inspections of boilers
Leading to advice on efficiency and sizing
Inspection of whole system if > 15 years old
Alternative of advice about boiler replacement and modifications to system

  • Air-conditioning Inspection (> 12 kW)

Regular inspections
Leading to advice on efficiency and sizing

The Implementation of the EPB Directive

  • Mostly through Part L of the building regulations
  • Other regulations for Energy Performance Certificates, boiler and AC inspections
  • Likely to be phased implementation 2006 - 2008
  • New buildings from 2006 - new Part L etc

Part L is raising standards as well (source, Anderson BRE)

The UK Government has reviewed Part L of the Building Regulations for England and Wales, in order to make buildings more energy efficient and tackle climate change. The changes will take effect from April 2006, and will mean homes will need to be better insulated and use more efficient heating systems.

The revised Part L1 (for dwellings) will make air pressure leakage testing mandatory, and improve compliance by showing where there is unacceptable air leakage. Poor levels of airtightness in buildings can contribute significantly to heat loss. Click here for best practice guidance on airtightness.

Each of the UK's nations has different technical requirements for conserving energy use in both new-build and existing dwellings:

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister offers a series of 'approved documents' containing guidance on compliance in England and Wales. Part L deals specifically with the conservation of fuel and power.

The Scottish Building Standards Agency provides guidance on complying in Scotland through a new system of Building Standards - Section 6 deals with energy use.

In Northern Ireland, The Building Regulations Unit of the
Department of Finance and Personnel provides guidance via a series of 'Technical Booklets' - Technical Booklet F deals with energy use.
(source, energy savingtrust)