The European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings core objective is to minimise the energy used in buildings. Passed in 2002 the directive came into force 2006, however no effects have been seen on the ground before beginning 2009. Currently the legislative process for the recast of the EPBD is on the way and will probably enter into force in 2012.

The EPBD in a nutshell!

• A common methodology for calculating the integrated energy performance of buildings;

• Minimum standards on the energy performance of new buildings and existing buildings that are subject to major renovation;

• Systems for the energy certification of new and existing buildings and, for public buildings, prominent display of this certification and other relevant information. Certificates must be less than five years old;

• Regular inspection of boilers and central air-conditioning systems in buildings and in addition an assessment of heating installations in which the boilers are more than 15 years old.

Source: EU Legislation 2007

Public buildings as a model

The Display Campaign is limited to non residential building; therefore Article 7 of the EPBD is of special interest. It specifies that buildings certificates be “placed in a prominent place clearly visible to the public”. In the past years, energy labels have strongly influenced the public’s purchasing decisions and transformed the market for more energy efficient products. But why is an energy label all the more important for public buildings? Let’s take a fridge. It can be sold anywhere in Europe so that market pressure and competition will be pushing towards better energy performance. When it comes to public buildings, though, they are rarely sold or rented and are therefore not subject to normal market forces. There needs to be transparency in the public building sector i.e. visible energy certificates to allow for an informed public to create its own “market force” and stimulate change.

For more info

Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings
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The EPBD recast legislative process

BUILD UP: a new environment for building professionals, local authorities and building occupants willing to share their experience on how to cut energy consumption in buildings