Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) contains a range of provisions aimed at improving energy performance in residential and non-residential buildings, both new-build and existing.

The EPBD obliges specific forms of information and advice on energy to be provided to building purchasers, tenants and users. The intention is that this information and advice will help consumers to make informed decisions leading to practical actions to improve energy performance.
 
As part of the Directive, a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate, which is effectively an energy label, will be required at the point of sale or rental of a building, or on completion of a new building. The BER will be accompanied by an "Advisory Report" setting out recommendations for cost-effective improvements to the energy performance of the building. However there will be no legal obligation on vendors or prospective purchasers to carry out the recommended improvements.

In Ireland, this directive is expected to impact on over 150,000 sale or rental transactions per year in the residential market. The Directive must be transposed into national law and must be generally brought into operation by EU Member States by 4th January 2006. However, provision is made to allow a longer period, ending in January 2009, for full implementation of the more complex requirements relating to BER certificates, promoting improved energy efficiency of boilers and inspection of air conditioning systems.

For Ireland, a Draft Action Plan has been prepared by an Inter Departmental Working Group, comprising senior officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, and SEI, with SEI providing the Secretariat. The plan sets out the proposed tasks, responsibilities and timescales for implementing the Directive in Ireland and was published on 27th April, 2005.