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Loss of energy through badly insulated houses accounts for around forty per cent of carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union. This means that buildings with poor energy efficiency are actually responsible for more emissions than all the vehicles on the roads at present in Europe. In a bid to reduce the emissions from homes, governments have introduced an Energy Performance Certificate. We take a look at what this means, and if it is possible to combat global warming with this type of legislation.

Energy Performance certificates were introduced to help identify the energy efficiency rating of a building. The idea was that prospective tenants or buyers could identify where the building was running inefficiently and make changes that would both save money and help save the environment.

The certificate is produced after an assessment by an energy audit professional. The assessment highlights areas that need improvement as well as note areas that are working efficiently. The auditor will request to see energy bills to determine how much energy is used for heating and air conditioning. If the power comes from sustainable sources such as solar panels, wind turbines or geothermal heating, the property will achieve a higher score.

The auditor will check items such as loft insulation, glazing and boilers to determine how energy efficient each of these components are. Specialist software is then used to calculate the overall efficiency which is graded from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least. It is estimated that the majority of homes within Europe score a rating of D and E due to ineffective insulation and ageing boilers.

The grading system used for Energy Performance Certificates will be familiar to many, as they are already used to grade new appliances such as washing machines, fridges, freezers and cookers. The aim of the labels is to encourage consumers to purchase more efficient appliances and therefore help the Government reach the targets set for emissions in the near future. At present, there are targets to be met in 2010, which need to be lower than pre 1995 levels, and more targets for 2050, which will require cuts in emissions of up to 80 per cent.

It is hoped that labeling houses with the same grading system will encourage owners and tenants to make the necessary changes to the building and their lifestyle to become more energy efficient and therefore meet the targets set by the European Union.

Dom Donaldson is an energy expert.
Find out more about an Energy Performance Certificate and how these can help owners and tenants reduce carbon emissions and money spent on bills at National Energy Rating.