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15 May 2008
27 June 2008
NO DELAY TO 30TH JUNE 2008 DEADLINE – IT’S THE LAW!
Further seminars and workshops were held by the Department of Finance and Personnel at the Stormont Hotel Belfast on 25th June 2008. Large crowds gathered keen to receive information on the incoming Energy Performance of Buildings regulations to be implemented in Northern Ireland.
The result of this European Directive is the adoption of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) for all buildings here which are built, sold or rented out. Phased in between 1st July 2008 and the 30th December 2008 all buildings transacted will have to have an EPC before they can be exchanged.
Michael Rodgers, Managing Director of EPCNI Ltd commented, "Local Government here has made it clear that EPCs will be required for all homes on the market after 30th June 2008. There will be no delay and no period of grace. This is not a voluntary ‘opt in' or ‘opt out' code but an important piece of European legislation that will be in force for all resale homes from 30th June 2008. If your home is on the market you must have an EPC or it cannot be sold" He added, " The EPC is a very easy way of communicating the energy efficiency of a property to a potential purchaser using the familiar ‘rainbow graph' seen on domestic appliances. The EPC also carries with it a number of recommendations to highlight how certain improvements made to the property could enhance the rating, reduce the amount of energy consumed and the amount of energy wasted. As fuel prices here continue to soar, this must have tremendous benefits for house sellers and even recent house purchasers who may wish to discover how efficient the home is that they have recently purchased"
Estate Agents recognise the benefits of the legislation and will seek to display the energy graph on sales particulars to show potential purchasers how the house they have an interest in scores. This added level of service will provide additional information for purchasers and increase the level of service offered by Agents. A full copy of the Report can then be obtained if required.
Rodgers continued "This legislation will focus everyone's attention on energy waste and highlight on a global basis the effects that burning excess fossil fuels is having on our environment. Any increased awareness in this highly topical arena has to be a good thing for everyone"
New properties fall under the legislation from 30th Septemeber 2008, Residential rental properties will have to comply from 30th December 2008 and all Non Domestic (Commercial) properties will also have to comply from this date.
Public buildings will have to display their ‘green' or not so ‘green' credentials by displaying a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) in a prominent position where visitors to the building can see the rating from 30th December 2008
