Why We Need Legislation

Commercial properties and public buildings currently account for nearly 25% of the UK's carbon emissions, contributing to global climate change. The way in which we light, heat and use buildings all contribute to this. Even small improvements to the energy performance and the way we use our buildings could have a significant effect on our fuel bills and carbon emissions.

Energy Performance Certificates are being introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of all buildings. By October 2008 all buildings - homes, commercial and public - must have one whenever the building is sold, built or rented.

EPCs form part of a programme of work that will make a difference to the 50% carbon emissions from buildings. Other changes include requiring Display Energy Certificates for public buildings and from January 2009 inspections for air conditioning systems will be introduced.

Given the UK Government's support of the Kyoto Protocol and of its challenging targets for the reduction of carbon emissions, reducing the energy consumption attributable to buildings is a key policy objective.