Legislation
The amount legislation now in force is mind boggling. In truth many of the laws passed by UK government have been driven by international commitments and treaties. ..but that doesn't make it any less confusing! The good news is that there are almost as many grants and tax free loans available as there are laws binding you to energy reduction. In order to help demystify all the different acts, bills, laws and schemes we have boiled them all down to their essence. This page gives an overview of each law, whilst clicking the 'read more' button will give greater detail. ...Enjoy!
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Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme (April 2010)
What is it?
A mandatory climate change and energy saving scheme
Who does it affect?
Large public and private sector organisations consuming more than 6000MWh, or with electricity bills in ecess of £500k annually or those with half-hourly meters.
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Energy Bill (May 2010)
What is it?
Legislation to improve energy efficiency in British homes, promote low carbon energy production, secure our energy supplies.
Who does it affect?
The purpose of the Bill is to provide a step change in the provision of energy efficiency measures to homes and businesses. It is also to put in place a framework to deliver a future with secure, low carbon energy supplies and fair competition in the energy markets.
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Building Regulations Part L (2006 and October 2010)
What is it?
Building Regulations regarding Conservation of Fuel & Power.
Who does it affect?
Builders/Developer for both commercial properties and domestic dwellings, including newbuilds and refurbs.
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Building Regulations Part F (2006 and October 2010)
What is it?
Building Regulations regarding Ventilation
Who does it affect?
Builders/Developer for both commercial properties and domestic dwellings, including newbuilds and refurbs.
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Energy Performance Certificate (2008)
What is it?
An energy performance certificate on a building, similar to those seen on white goods, with ratings from A-G. By law you will need one if buying or selling a home, or whenever a building is built, sold or rented out. Large public buildings must have Display Energy Certificates (DECs) on show
Who does it affect?
Builders/Developer for both commercial properties and domestic dwellings, including newbuilds and refurbs. Accredited energy assessors produce EPC’s with a report suggesting improvements to make the building more energy efficient.
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Climate Change Act (2008)
What is it?
The UK has passed legislation which introduces the world’s first long-term legally binding framework to tackle the dangers of climate change. Requires at least an 80% cut in greenhouse emissions by 2050, against a baseline 1990 level.
Who does it affect?
Ultimately it affects everyone
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Code for Sustainable Homes
What is it?
A code to drive a step change in sustainable home building practice. It will become the single national standard for sustainable homes.
It will also form the basis for future building regs and is a means of driving continuous improvement.
Who does it affect?
It will be used by home designers and builders as a guide to development. Also used by home buyers to assist in their home buying.
Compliance is voluntary but changes are likely to become mandatory so will be wise for developers to follow.
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BREEAM
What is it?
An environmental assessment method for buildings.
Who does it affect?
BREEAM provides clients, developers, designers and others with
• market recognition for low environmental impact buildings
• assurance that best environmental practice is incorporated into a building
• inspiration to find innovative solutions that minimise the environmental impact
• a benchmark that is higher than regulation
• a tool to help reduce running costs, improve working and living environments
• a standard that demonstrates progress towards corporate and organisational environmental objectives
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Incandescent Lamp Phase Out
What is it?
From 1st September 2009, the EU is undertaking the phased withdrawal of incandescent and energy inefficient lamps from the market.
Who does it affect?
The ban initially affected consumers running inefficient technologies in their homes. However, the step by step phasing out of many other lamps up to 2017 will affect everyone both domestic and business..
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