Since the Chancellor’s statement at the Conservative Party Conference, there are rumours circulating that the Green Deal may be scrapped. This follows hot on the heels of the further postponement (until April 2012) of the revised requirements for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

Does all this point to a U-turn by the Government on energy policy and climate change initiatives? Andrew Morphet, Managing Director of Synergy Property Services Ltd., gives us his latest thoughts:

“I don’t believe so. What George Osborne said related to a previously stated ambition for the UK to meet its carbon emission targets quicker than its legal obligation...

Synergy Property Services have just renewed its contracts with Liverpool Hope University, York St. John University and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for their provision of Display Energy Certificates. We are looking forward to helping these important institutions continue to save energy and save money.

Kettering Borough Council, Warrington Borough Council and Leeds Metropolitan University are also going to benefit from the services of Synergy Property Services, they too have awarded the contract for providing Display Energy Certificates to us - thank you.

Enforcement of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

Those involved in the work needed under the Energy Performance in Buildings Regulations, such as Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), and Display Energy Certificates (DECs), are concerned that the Regulations are being ignored.
As it is the role of Trading Standards Departments to ensure the Legislation is being adhered to Andrew Morphet, Managing Director of Synergy Property Services Ltd reflects upon how effective they are.

As the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department of Communities and Local Government embark jointly on a major consultation on the effectiveness of Display Energy Certificates, Andrew Morphet of Synergy Property Services Ltd. ponders the very same question; “How well is the system working?”

Shortly after his election, David Cameron pledged to make the coalition the "greenest government ever" saying: "We've got a big, big opportunity here; I want us to be the greenest government ever. It's a very simple ambition and one I'm absolutely committed to achieving.” Almost 3 months later; how’s he getting on?

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is designed to tackle climate change by reducing the amount of carbon produced by our buildings. But is it working?
Legislation is often unpopular and seen as an imposition, so the sad part is that the real benefit of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which is the energy saving advice that comes with it is being missed.

The introduction of Commercial Energy Performance Certificates and Display Energy Certificates has seen incremental change in energy efficiency and CO2 reduction, but a fundamental change of mindset is required to hit the zero-carbon targets in place. All new homes and schools must be zero-carbon from 2016; all new public sector buildings from 2018.

A second piece of legislation under the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPBD) is currently in Consultation and is expected to be published in the autumn and put into force in 2010.
If you are a private company or public private partnership; you might think “so what, commercial energy assessments don’t affect me!”
If you are a Public Body; you might think you have got all the energy performance certificates you need.
In both cases you would be wrong!