Energy policy: energy performance of the buidings of the Union, energy saves and efficiency

PURPOSE : to lay down measures in order to improve the energy performance of buildings. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. CONTENT : The objective of this Directive is to promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings within the Community, taking into account outdoor climatic and local conditions, as well as indoor climate requirements and cost-effectiveness. This Directive lays down requirements as regards: - the general framework for a methodology of calculation of the integrated energy performance of buildings. This may be differentiated at regional level. The methodology must include, in addition to thermal insulation, other factors that play an increasingly important role such as heating and air-conditioning installations, application of renewable energy sources and design of the building. Member States must set minimum energy performance requirements for buildings. These requirements must take into account general indoor climate conditions, in order to avoid possible negative effects such as inadequate ventilation, as well as local conditions and the designated function and the age of the building. Member States may decide not to set requirements for certain specified categories of building. - the application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of new buildings. For new buildings with a total useful floor area over 1000m2, the feasibility of alternative systems such as systems based on renewable energy, must be considered before construction starts. - the application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of large existing buildings that are subject to major renovation. When buildings with a total useful floor area over 1000m2 undergo major renovation, their energy performance must be upgraded in order to meet minimum requirements, insofar as this is feasible. The requirements may be set either for the renovated building as a whole or for the renovated systems when these are part of a renovation to be carried out within a limited time period. - energy certification of buildings. When buildings are constructed, sold or rented out, an energy performance certificate must be made available to the owner or prospective buyer or tenant. The validity of the certificate may not exceed 10 years. The certificate must include reference values such as current legal standards and benchmarks in order that consumers may compare the energy performance of buildings. The objective of the certificate must be limited to the provision of information and any legal effects must be decided in accordance with national rules. - regular inspection of boilers and of air-conditioning systems in buildings and in addition an assessment of the heating installation in which the boilers are more than 15 years old. Boilers of an effective rated output of more than 100kW must be inspected every two years, and for gas boilers, this may be extended to four years. For certification and inspection of boilers and air-conditioning systems, Member States may, due to lack of experts, have an addition three years before full application of the relevant provisions. DATE OF TRANSPOSITION : 04/01/06. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 04/01/03.