BUILDING EFFICIENCY Air Conditioning Inspections Understanding your obligations under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations
Energy efficiency is vital for combating climate change... Ever since the European Union (EU) and its Member States ratified the Kyoto Protocol in May 2002, it has been committed to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. It is clear, however, that there is still some significant scope for improvement, with the 160 million buildings across the EU being responsible for using over 40% of Europe's energy, and creating over 40% of its CO2 emissions. Worse still, this proportion is still increasing. Consequently, legislation has been introduced in the form of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which was adopted in December 2002 with overwhelming support from both the Member States and European Parliament. It came into force shortly afterwards in January 2003. To enforce certain key Articles contained within this Directive the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates & Inspections) (England & Wales) Regulations 2007 - or EPB Regulations were introduced to England & Wales in January 2006, with a three year implementation period that ended in January 2009. Important note: Final procedure and implementation dates for Scotland and Ireland are yet to be finalised.
How will this legislation affect your business? The UK Government s introduction of the EPB Regulations is forcing many businesses to review the performance of their property portfolio. Various specialist skills are required to assess the overall performance of buildings and thus ensure they are delivering maximum value to investors, tenants and occupiers, whilst at the same time minimising the effect on the environment. These regulations place a legal obligation on you the owner, landlord or property manager to provide the relevant Energy Performance certification and inspections for your buildings through a series measures that include: The introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC s) for all commercial buildings whenever they are built, rented or sold. A requirement for Display Energy Certificates (DEC s) to be put on show within all public buildings over 1000m² in size. The provision of advice and guidance for boiler users, and... A requirement for regular inspections of air conditioning systems over 12 kw.
What does an air conditioning inspection involve? The EPB Regulations require an inspection of all air conditioning systems with rated outputs of over 12 kw to be carried out at intervals of no greater than 5 years. The first inspection of all air conditioning systems over 250 kw should already have taken place as the deadline was 4 January 2009. For the remaining systems over 12 kw the deadline is 4 January 2011. Air conditioning system inspections can only be completed by an Air Conditioning Inspector accredited by the Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation (BESCA) Energy Assessor Scheme. To assist them the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers publication CIBSE TM44: 2007 provides specific guidance on carrying out air conditioning inspections within reasonable constraints of time, cost and skills. The inspection reports produced should include an overall assessment of the efficiency of the system, as well as advice on any suggested improvements or replacements, and alternative solutions. Important Note: Failure to commission, keep, or provide an air conditioning inspection report when required can result in prosecution and a fine.
Solutions for buildings from Johnson Controls... Founded in 1885, we have come a long way since our founder Professor Warren Johnson built the first electric room thermostat and launched Johnson Controls. Today we employ over 56,000 people in our Building Efficiency business, who serve customers in 125 countries from 300 office locations, and are committed to making buildings more comfortable, productive, safe and energy efficient through a range of services that cover: Integrated Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems Building Management Systems (BMS) Technical Building Services Industrial and Commercial Refrigeration Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Solutions Security and Fire Safety Johnson Controls can help with every aspect of BMS and HVAC, from Planned Service Agreements and repair callout services, to energy efficiency and legislation compliance services - including energy surveys and efficiency improvement consultancy. Our company ethos means we are industry leading and the practices we have in place are in line with our strict sustainable values.
Let us inspect your air conditioning system Johnson Controls Service & Solutions division has a nationwide team of Service Technicians carrying out air conditioning inspections for any size of system all of whom hold accreditation with the BESCA Energy Assessor Scheme. Indeed, the demand for air conditioning inspections has been so great that we currently have additional technicians undergoing the required training and assessment to further enhance the service we already provide to customers throughout England and Wales. Your local Johnson Controls representative will be able to provide further details about the air conditioning inspection service that we provide, as well as a competitive quote and references from customers, past and present. Or, visit www.besca.org.uk for more information about the team of accredited assessors that Johnson Controls currently has in place, including their geographical areas of operation.
A summary of the key facts you need to know... All air conditioning systems over 250 kw must have been inspected by January 4, 2009. All remaining air conditioning systems over 12 kw must be inspected by January 4, 2011. Subsequent inspections must take place at least every 5 years. Inspections must include an assessment of efficiency, a review of sizing, and advice on improvements or replacements and alternative solutions. From January 2009 it has became illegal to sell or let any commercial building without a current inspection report covering all installed, in-scope, air conditioning equipment. Johnson Controls has a team of BESCA accredited assessors, covering the whole of England & Wales, ready to come and inspect your air conditioning system.
Service Network, UK & Ireland Johnson Controls Service division employs a team of 300 highly skilled mobile Service Technicians who are strategically located throughout the UK & Ireland to serve you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Glasgow Newcastle Dublin Manchester Birmingham Cork Newton Abbot Bristol Portsmouth Slough Basildon Contact For further details on how the EPB Regulations affect your business, or to arrange an air conditioning inspection for your building, contact Johnson Controls at: Phone: 0845 108 0001 (call charged at local rate) Email: Serviceinfo.UKI@jci.com Johnson Controls, 2010 www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk PUBL-6401