Energy certification

Non-domestic buildings

The EU 'Energy Performance of Buildings Directive' (EPBD)

The EU has implemented the EPBD as part of their commitment to the Kyoto protocol, for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This landmark directive contains a range of provisions aimed at improving energy performance and is a cornerstone of the sustainable construction agenda.

How does the EPBD affect the design process?

The design process has to change. Historically the aim has been to provide a building that complies with Building Regulations on day one. The EPBD means that it is essential to ensure that the building will not deteriorate in performance over its lifetime. Building fabric systems that cannot provide guaranteed long term thermal airtightness and structural performance pose a significant risk to the designer, contractor and notably the building owner.

Kingspan building envelope and fabric systems have a critical role in achieving EPBD compliance, by offering a 25 year lifetime thermal performance guarantee.

How does the EPBD affect building owners?

The best known requirement of the EPBD revolves around the mandatory provision of energy certificates for the property for owners, buyers or tenants. These certificates and their associated Building Performance Ratings are key factors influencing the asset valuation and tenant lease opportunity of any property.

Energy certificates

For non-residential buildings both the 'as built' Asset Rating and the Operational Rating are displayed - in other words, how energy efficient the building has been built to be, and how much energy it actually uses to run. The EPBD will ensure that any deterioration in performance over time will show up in the Operational Rating, which will be reviewed and disclosed whenever the building is sold or let.

A poor Operational Rating will obviously affect the inherent value of the property.

What are the implications for existing buildings?

Simply put, the capital value of buildings will decrease because of poor Operational Ratings. Likewise, you can expect the rental values to decrease.

The obvious solution is refurbishment or renovation. Kingspan have economic, energy-efficient solutions that can breathe new life into old buildings by providing current and future regulation compliance, combined with extended useful life.

Domestic buildings

Home Information Packs (HIPs)

Since December 2007 every home in the UK put up for sale, no matter what size, must have a Home Information Pack. It brings together valuable information at the start of the process - such as a sale statement, local searches and evidence of title - which could save you money, time and stress.

The Pack also includes an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that contains advice on how to cut CO₂ emissions and fuel bills.

HIPs provide key information needed by buyers and sellers at the very start of the home-buying process, making transactions more efficient and less likely to fall through between offer and exchange. HIP documents give consumers a clear, up-front picture of what they are buying and selling.

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