Climate change is becoming an increasing concern, both in the UK and worldwide. Levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, one of the main causes of climate change, have risen by more than a third since the industrial revolution and are now rising faster than ever before. This has led to rising temperatures and some quite significant environmental changes. 

In light of these concerns, the Government has committed to a target of a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. In terms of CO2 emissions, buildings are the biggest culprit in the UK, with domestic homes contributing more greenhouse gases than other buildings. Up to a third of all the CO2 emissions from the UK are from the domestic home!

The Kyoto Protocol 
Kyoto is an agreement made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). With other EU members, the United Kingdom ratified the protocol in May 2002. It has committed to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (and five other greenhouse gases) to 92% of 1990 levels by 2008/12. Failure to achieve the savings will result in a “fine” of additional emissions reductions relative to other countries in the next reduction period.

The EU Directive 
Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and Council on the energy performance of buildings came into force on 4th January 2003. Its purpose is to raise awareness of energy use in buildings and it is intended to lead to substantial increases in investment in energy efficiency measures. The directive required each member state to introduce legislation to raise awareness by 4th January 2006 for both domestic and non-domestic buildings. In article 7 it states, Whenever a building is constructed, sold or rented out, a certificate detailing its energy performance must be made available.

The Housing Act 2004
 The Housing Act, which received Royal Assent on 18th November 2004, contains wide-ranging reforms to housing. The main provisions are:
New Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs)
Changes to the Right to Buy Scheme
 Introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs)

National Occupational Standards 
The Government has issued regulations to control the content of the EPC and the qualifications of those providing them. The only people authorised to produce EPCs are those holding the Diploma in Home Inspection (Home Inspectors) or the Diploma in Domestic Energy Assessment (DEAs). An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be produced by a fully qualified and accredited person in an independent manner.