This Directive requires UK buildings to comply with stated energy performance standards and to have energy performance certificates - the requirements will be introduced over the three years to January 2009.

An interpretation of the Directive is given below but the original text should be referred to for definitive information. The Directive will require all of the following:

· All buildings or parts of buildings are to have an energy performance certificate available at the time of sale or rent. This includes large and small commercial buildings and tenancies, and residential property. There are very few exemptions other than industrial process buildings and some heritage buildings.

· All new buildings are to have an energy performance certificate. New buildings and major refurbishments of larger buildings (over 1,000 m2) must meet specified energy performance standards - the standards are to be set down in the April 2006 revision of Part L of the Building Regulations.

· All larger public buildings (over 1,000 m2) are to permanently display an energy performance certificate. The definition of public is not fully clarified but is likely to be buildings perceived as publicly owned and visited by the public - so including for example Town Halls, Sports Centres and Hospitals.

· Boilers and air conditioning equipment are to have regular inspection or (in the case of boilers) provision of guidance on energy efficiency.

· The UK legislation is likely to introduce the certification and inspection requirements in phases over three years from the 4th January 2006, as the UK may claim grounds for delay due to lack of certification or inspection capacity.