In May 2007 the EU "Energy Performance of Buildings Directive" (EPBD) made it a legal requirement for commercial buildings to have Energy Performance Certificates when they are constructed, modified, sold or leased.

An Energy Performance Certificate states the energy efficiency of a building and provides a grading between A and G indicating the level of CO2 emissions.

The UK Government has already established an implementation timetable and this is outlined below:-

SCOTLAND

Category                                         Date of Introduction
Construction                           Introduced on 1 May 2007
Sale (dwellings)                      1 December 2008
Sale (non-dwellings)                4 January 2009
Rental                                    4 January 2009
Public buildings                       Must be on display by 4 January 2009

 ENGLAND & WALES

Category                                            Date of Introduction
Buildings >10,000m2                 From 6th April 2008
Buildings >2,500m2                   From 1st July 2008
All Buildings                              From 1st October 2008

 NORTHERN IRELAND

Sales                                Mid 2008
Rentals                             January 2009

To help property owners comply, James Barr will provide energy performance certificates as well as energy audit surveys.

 Services include:-

• Prioritising and scheduling work across property portfolios
• Preparing accurate floor plans on AutoCad as necessary
• Carrying out energy surveys and delivering Energy Performance Certificates
• Providing quantified thermal images which can assist in assessment of the building fabric and assist in preparing schedues of repairs to improve the EPC rating

 Eric Forgie Chief Executive of James Barr commented:-

"The impact of this environmental legislation will become increasingly apparent as we move towards 2009 and our aim is to provide more than an energy Audit and Government certificate, but some cost effective solutions to ensuring optimum energy grades are achieved."

The EU Directive is an important piece of legislation which is likely to have an impact on property values over time.  It is also important to highlight that without a certificate, property owners and agents will not be able to sell or lease and fines will be imposed if they try to do so.

For further information or advice, please contact:-

John Price - Associate Director
Building Consultancy
Tel:     0131 221 0940
Email: jprice@jamebarr.co.uk