CLIMATE CHANGE CASE STUDY: Energy Performance Certificate Set To Target Climate Change

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by Dominic Donaldson

In a bid to address the impact of modern living on the global climate, govern- ments around the world are introducing measures that will help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It is believed that the degree of climate change can be lessened by introducing energy efficiency into everyday living and using renewable energy. As such, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has been introduced in the UK. We take a look at what an Energy Performance Certificate is and how it can help in the battle against global warming.

Having an Energy Performance Certificate is now mandatory within the UK and must be presented to all new tenants or property buyers. It provides the property with a score based on how energy efficient the building is. This score is calculated by assessing various aspects of a building such as insulation, glazing and heating. If the property is double glazed, has an insulated loft and energy efficient heating, then it will achieve a higher score.

The type of energy a property uses is also assessed, and if that energy is from renewable sources then this will help achieve a more favourable rating. For properties that do not score well, there is advice on how to run a more energy efficient building by improving insulation and using renewable energy. It is hoped that the information from an assessment will encourage property owners to adopt a greener approach, which in turn will lower emissions and thereby help meet EU targets.

Energy Performance Certificates were implemented as a result of an EU directive that was drawn up to meet the demands of the Kyoto Protocol. The directive states that all countries within the European Union will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8 per cent by 2010, bringing them below 1990 levels. The Kyoto Protocol was implemented to help stabilize and hopefully mitigate the levels of gasses in the atmosphere that contribute to global warming.

The treaty was introduced in 1991 to guard against a continuing rise in emissions that could cause irreversible and detrimental changes to the world's climate. As well as targeting carbon dioxide emissions, the treaty also restricts the release of other greenhouse gasses which include methane and nitrous oxide. By introducing an Energy Performance Certificate, which is an integral part of a Home Information Pack, property owners are able to identify and address areas that could be improved to be more energy efficient, thereby help combat global warming.

Dom Donaldson is an environmental expert.
Find out more about an Energy Performance Certificate at http://www.nationalenergyrating.co.uk

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