EPBD

What is the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and why is it required?

Energy use in buildings accounts for almost half of all Ireland ’s energy related CO₂ emissions. While some work has been undertaken in recent years regarding standards of insulation and better heating systems, there is still much room for improvement. The introduction of the EPBD aims to promote improvements in the energy performance of buildings all across Europe, including housing, commercial and public sector buildings. The EPBD was adopted into Irish law as regulation in 2006, and informs consumers about the energy efficiency of a building and allow them take this into account when buying or renting a property. As of  2013, the EPBD was superseded by the Recast EPBD, and S.I. No 666 of 2006 was superseded by S.I. 243 of 2012.

How will consumers know about the energy efficiency of the building?

Since January 2009, the EPBD requires that a Building Energy Rating (BER) be provided to prospective buyers or tenants. A BER is a standard calculation of the energy performance of a building, which is produced by a qualified assessor using an agreed calculation method. The BER allows potential tenants or purchasers to take the energy efficiency of the building into account prior to purchase or let and provide them with an indication of the potential heating and lighting costs. 

Failure to obtain a BER prior to selling/letting a building could result in a maximum fine of €5,000 and could also hinder the completion of a sale/letting.

What buildings does it apply to?

The EPBD applies to nearly all new and existing residential and non-residential buildings. However some categories of buildings are exempt from the minimum energy performance and BER requirements. These exemptions are set out in the EPBD and include some of the following:

• Listed national monuments
• Listed buildings of outstanding architectural or historic importance
• Buildings used as places of worship or for the religious activities of any religions
• Industrial buildings not intended for human occupancy over extended periods and where the installed heating capacity does not exceed 10 W/m2
• Non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand

When was it implemented in Ireland?

EU member states were required to transpose the EPBD into national legislation by 4th January 2006.  However, they were given the option to phase in the implementation of those parts of the Directive that relate to the BER, boiler and air conditioning requirements (Article 7[1], Article 8 and Article 9), primarily to allow for a sufficient number of registered assessors and inspectors to be available. Certain legislative changes have taken place in Ireland to pave the way for full implementation of the EPBD, for example, the Building Control Bill 2005 and the Building Regulations (Amendment) Regulations 2005.

The following outlines the key dates for the phasing in of the BER requirements of the EPBD:

• 1st January 2007 : BER certificate required for all new homes for which planning permission was applied for on or after January 1st 2007. BER must be completed before they are occupied.
• 1st July 2008 : BER required for new non-domestic buildings offered for sale or rent. Transitional BER exemptions applyed to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission was applied on or before 30th June 2008 provided the new non-domestic buildings involved are substantially completed by 30th June 2010 .
• 1st January 2009 : BER required for any existing buildings offered for sale or letting.

Click here for the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP)

Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) is the Irish official procedure for calculating and assessing the energy performance of dwellings. DEAP is a method by which sustainable design in buildings can be measured. The procedure takes account of the energy required for space heating, ventilation, water heating and lighting, less savings from energy generation technologies and provides a method by which the Building Energy Rating can be assessed.

For more information on DEAP log on to the SEAI website.