Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and Council, on the energyperformance of buildings, came into force on 4 January 2003.

It will greatly affect awareness of energy use in buildings, and is intended to lead to substantial increases in investments in energy efficiency measures within these buildings. Legislation was put in place by 4 January 2006, and will affect all buildings, both domestic and non-domestic. The major responsibility for practical measures to meet the requirements will fall on building services engineers. This briefing explains the main provisions of the Directive.

Why was the directive introduced?

The 160 million buildings in the EU use over 40% of Europe’s energy andcreate over 40% of its carbon dioxide emissions, and that proportion isincreasing. Under the Kyoto protocol, Europe is committed to reducingemissions and the Directive is intended to contribute to achieving this.

How is this energy used?

Heating fuel is the most important component (57% of domesticconsumption, 52% of non-residential building consumption). Water heatingaccounts for 25% of domestic consumption and 9% of non-residential use.Lighting accounts for up to 25% of emissions due to commercial buildings.

How much of this energy can be saved?

According to the European energy commissioner, a cost-effective savings potential of around 22% of present consumption in buildings can be realisedby 2010.

How much can this directive reduce the threat of climate change?

According to the European climate change programme, the directive could deliver up to 45 million tonnes of carbon dioxide reduction by 2010. In orderto meet the agreed Kyoto targets, the European Union must implement reductions of 330 million tonnes between 1990 and 2010.

How will the directive work?

It facilitates requirements to measure energy use in buildings by:

· Introducing agreed measurements of relative energy performance
· Regular inspections and re-evaluations
· Requiring higher standards for upgrading larger buildings
· Improving standards for new buildings.