Energy Conservation Regulations for Buildings

In October 2007, the federal government adopted new Energy Conservation Regulations, which supersede the 2002 Energy Conservation Ordinance, and which transpose the EC Energy Performance of Buildings Directive into national law. These regulations require the introduction of energy certificates for existing buildings, which will be phased in from the beginning of 2008. Under these regulations, the owners and landlords of residential buildings with more than four dwellings will be able to choose whether they use an energy certificate based on calculated energy demand or on actual energy consumption. The same will apply to residential buildings with up to four dwellings if they were constructed to the standard of the 1977 Thermal Insulation Regulations or were upgraded to this standard at a later date. The energy demand certificate will only be mandatory for residential buildings (with up to four dwellings) dating from the period prior to the 1977 Thermal Insulation Regulations which do not satisfy this level of requirements. Both options will generally be allowed for non-residential buildings. For residential buildings completed before 1965, energy certification will become mandatory on 1 January 2008; for residential buildings constructed since that date, it will become mandatory on 1 July 2008; and for non-residential buildings, it will become mandatory on 1 January 2009. In order to limit the costs involved, use may be made of lump sums and technically substantiated empirical values. Nor is an inspection of the building by an expert prescribed, although it may be necessary in individual cases. The owner can provide information and proof relating to the building. On 1 October 2009, an amendment to the Energy Saving Ordinance 2007 has entered into force. In order to increase energy efficiency in buildings, the new ordinance tightens energy standards for new buildings and when existing buildings undergo major renovation by an average 30 percent. In the year 2012, it is envisaged that after appropriate consideration these efficiency standards will be further tightened, as far as is cost-efficient.

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