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How will the requirement to have Display Energy Certificates affect the education sector?
The education sector is one of those most affected by the Display Energy Certificate (DEC) regulations. Why? Because students are classed as ‘members of the public’ and visits by large numbers of the public are among the criteria under which liability is assessed. Specifically, a building needs to have a DEC if it:
What is in a DEC? Display Energy Certificates aim to demonstrate how well (or otherwise) a building’s energy demand is managed. At the core of this is the Operational Rating. At its simplest, this is the quantity of carbon dioxide emitted in a year divided by the floor space. The result is measured in tonnes of CO2 per m2 per year. However, the actual rating is a numerical value from 0 to 200. The mid-point of this range, 100, is the emissions rate from a typical, or benchmark, building of its type. Better than average performance, i.e. lower emissions, results in a lower figure. On the DEC itself this is shown in a now familiar banding pattern from A-G. This standard presentation method can be found on a range of energy-consuming items, from fridge-freezers and washing machines, to lightbulbs and new cars. It is easy and quick to understand. DECs and EPCs DECs are not the same as Energy Performance Certificates. EPCs are only required when a building is constructed, sold or let – DECs are required for all qualifying buildings from 1 October. In addition, EPCs measure energy performance in a different way. They use an Asset Rating, which is a measure of how well energy efficiency was ‘designed in’. It is a static measure, based on the energy performance of the building components and systems. The fact that an EPC is valid for up to ten years while DECs have to be renewed annually reflects the reality that it is normally quicker and easier to improve performance through energy management than through periodic fabric upgrades, important as these are. The Advisory Report DECs and EPCs are both accompanied by an Advisory Report, essentially a series of recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency of a typical building for this type, with the suggestions listed in three categories according to payback: short term (up to three years); medium term (three-seven years); and longer term. These are only generic recommendations and occupiers should seek expert advice about the specific circumstances for individual buildings in their portfolios. ESTA members will be pleased to advise on these recommendations. The Advisory Report is valid for up to seven years. Who can provide a DEC? Only qualified assessors, accredited to a government-approved training scheme, are permitted to carry out the inspections and issue certificates. Details of all the schemes and qualified assessors can be found on the website www.ndepcregister.com where the validity of individual EPCs and DECs can also be checked. It is possible for employees of educational bodies to become registered as assessors. Especially where the organisation has a number of sites, this may prove a cost-effective and convenient option. However, their relationship to the building occupier then has to be stated on every certificate produced. Information about the building itself and the energy consumed is needed for the certificate. Actual meter readings or consignment notes (for liquid and solid fuels) are required, covering at least 95 per cent of all energy consumption. If this figure is not reached, then a default rating of 200 and a Grade G classification (the worst) is automatically awarded. The data can be obtained from onsite energy meters, energy suppliers or, in the case of community heating schemes, the district heating/cooling provider. Note that for the first DEC, due on 1 October 2008, data is needed covering the period for the 12 months prior to this date. If a building is leased or rented, the landlord, preferably in the form of a standard Landlord’s Energy Statement, should provide the information. The energy data then needs to be manipulated in several ways in order to arrive at the final rating. Conversion to carbon dioxide equivalents, which vary according to fuel, adjustment for different meter/delivery dates, weather variation, and so on, are all necessary before the final result can be calculated. Metering and monitoring Clearly, having a formal Monitoring & Targeting system that collects and analyses building energy data will be a major advantage when it comes to producing a report. The assessor has to be satisfied that the data provided to him/her is robust and accurate. Formal M&T systems provide the quantity, quality and accuracy required for metered sources of energy. They will therefore dramatically reduce the effort needed from staff and assessors in preparing DECs – hence reducing the cost of the certification process. The education sector will soon have to get to grips with the requirements of the Carbon Reduction Commitment, which will involve accounting for emissions and trading in emissions allowances. The expenditure on allowances will be recycled to participants but one way in which organisations can increase the size of the ‘refund’ is to install automatic Monitoring & Targeting (aM&T) systems. Since these systems will make DEC compliance easier, it is certainly worth considering their purchase now, rather than later. In addition, several aM&T providers are in the process of accrediting their systems for the production of DECs. Once this is done, the software will produce the certificates automatically – another major advantage of these systems for users in the education sector. A means to an end DECs and EPCs should not be seen merely as another administrative burden. The original intention behind them was to bring energy efficiency to public attention. They give the energy or facilities manager a powerful argument for increased investment. ESTA estimated before the latest round of energy price rises that a building with a C rating would use about £10 per m2 less in energy per year than one a band below with a D rating. The figure has surely increased now. Senior managers can therefore be presented with costed plans for moving up one band – with the consequent benefits as well. DECs will also have to show the previous two years’ ratings. They will therefore display to anyone who wishes to look just what improvement (or otherwise) there has been in the building’s operational efficiency over time – another incentive for all in the organisation to make sure that efficiency continues to improve. The Energy Services and Technology Association (ESTA) represents over 100 major providers of energy management equipment and services across the UK. Don’t let energy legislation tie you in knots! With a raft of energy-related measures such as Display Energy Certificates currently being implemented – and more on the way – energy and facilities managers in the education sector may find themselves caught up in compliance issues rather than dealing with the business of cutting energy consumption and so saving money and reducing emissions. With over 100 members representing all the main areas of energy efficient products and services, the Energy Services and Technology Association (ESTA) is offering managers a free one-day conference in November to look at ways of turning challenges into opportunities. The conferences will discuss how Energy Performance Certificates, Display Energy Certificates, the Carbon Reduction Commitment, mandatory air-conditioning inspections – and all the other legislation currently being introduced – can be used as spurs to deliver real energy and cost savings within businesses. The conferences will be accompanied by a free exhibition, where a number of leading providers of energy efficient products and services will be present to discuss specific requirements and issues. The conferences are being held around the country so as to be accessible to all – Birmingham, London, Wakefield and Mere, near Manchester. They are free to attend, but pre-registration is essential. This can be done by visiting the ESTA website at: www.esta.org.uk The four, one-day events are being held at:
Web: www.esta.org.uk |
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