Reducing the carbon emissions of UK buildings

L ‘Energy inefficiency of building stock Represents one of the United Kingdom major challenges If Britain wants to achieve then overcome itZero carbon emission target by 2050. In fact, it is estimated that one third of all our emissions come from the heat, ventilation and air conditioning of our buildings.

While excellent progress Decarbonizazone Of the british economy Done in other areas (eg supply more and more energy from renewable sources rather than coal), is relatively Little success in improving the performance of our building stockOffered despite various green incentives. After these small initiatives, which have limited results, the government is going to start more initiatives on its basis. Energy performance certificate for buildings (EPC).

UK EPC

EPC Was launched in 2008 and has become familiar to many as one An integral element of any real estate transaction. All new buildings, and most of the existing It is necessary to perform EPC showing them their energy. The assessment is required 10 years before revalidation and there is a range from A to G, indicating buildings that are very inefficient that are very efficient.

When introduced, the EPC functioned solely as sources of information, providing not only an assessment but also some comprehensive suggestions on how the evaluation could be improved. more recently, They have become the basis of regulations requiring owners of energy-inefficient buildings to make improvements, Although a different approach has been adopted in Scotland than in England and Wales.

England and Wales

According to the 2015 Energy Efficiency Regulations, this is the approach in England and Wales Hold a building permit Privately Rented Commercial Which does not reach the minimum standard of energy efficiency, Or MEES. As of 1 April 2018, MEES equals E or higher EPC rating. Any new lease, or renewal of an existing lease, is permitted only if the building involved has achieved this standard. This rule will be extended to all other existing leases after April 1, 2023. Under MEES rules, the penalty for a violation is tied to the taxable value of the property and can range from a minimum of £ 5,000 to a maximum of £ 150,000.

Scotland

A different system prevails in Scotland. Assessing the energy performance of regulatory work of non-domestic buildings (Scotland), rather than a complete ban on the renting of substandard buildings 2016 Non-domestic building owners are required Large (more than 1000 m 2 of surface) To assess and improve the energy efficiency of your buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions Joined them. The seller or lessee must create one Action plan identifying how the energy efficiency of their building can be improved. The action plan should then be made available to the buyer or new tenant.

Regulations are the first stage only

Critics of the rules have noticed that there are Many flaws are available, And that the requirement in England and Wales for buildings and buildings to achieve an EPC rating of E is very low. However, it should be recognized The rules are considered the first step towards a destination that we should reach as soon as possible.

The Scottish rules clearly state that “the improvement sought from these preliminary rules is relatively minor” “These regulations are only the first steps the Scottish Government is taking to regulate the improvement of our non-domestic housing stock”.

in between, The UK Government has issued a consultation paperOn the design of a regulatory framework, with the necessary answers by June this year Non-domestic buildings will be required to achieve EPC rating of B or better by the year 2030. The direction and acceleration of travel speed are clear.