EPBD; 2002/91/EC

On December 16, 2002 the EU Commission issued directive 2002/91/EC on the overall energy efficiency of buildings. This directive makes energy certificates for buildings compulsory. For non-residential buildings a �holistic� assessment of the energy requirements for heating, lighting, ventilation and air conditioning is made. The directive had to be incorporated into national law by January 2006. Most member states are lagging behind this schedule however.

The Energy performance of Buildings directive provides for the following essential points

• Assessment rules for buildings with regard to the building shell, heating installation, hot water supply, air conditioning system, ventilation and lighting
• Minimum requirements relating to the overall energy efficiency of new buildings which must be reviewed and adapted as necessary every five years at the latest
• For new buildings with an overall usable floor area of 1000m² or more the technical ecological and economic use of regenerative energy sources must be assessed
• Minimum standards for improving the overall energy efficiency of buildings that undergo major renovation
• The provision of energy certificates for all major public buildings for general inspection and for presentation on construction, sales and leasing of buildings
• Regular checks on the efficiency of heaters and cold generators
• Only independent qualified personnel may issue energy certificates and inspect heaters and cold generators