Energy Efficiency: Directives and Legislation

Energy Efficiency directives and economy2.1 IntroductionThe debate is ongoing, but there is now everywherewhelming scientific evidence that mans activities argon ca using signifi down the stairssurfacet climate modification. clime change has the potential to affect all(a) aspects of life on earth and al subaltern for construct major detrimental social, stinting and environmental conflicts. The best receipt to these challenging issues is to change. Change the way we think. Change the way we act. (Get source)2.2 Background to directings for clime ChangeThe Inter bailiwick climate change agenda containing the directives and Legislation that drives for dexterity efficiency began in 1992 with the join Nations Framework Convention on temper Change (UNFCCC). The objectives of the UNFCCC were to stabilise the atmospheric nursery spoiles at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climatic system, to be touchd in a time frame to date food production is no n jeopardize and to enable scotch go againstment proceeds in a sustainable manner. The UNFCCC is the parent treaty of the Kyoto communications protocol (1997) which was authentic to implement the UNFCCC caseively and properly. (www.euroace.org/ incubates)Irelands likeness to the Kyoto protocol is outlined in the subsequent sub-chapter. In December 2007, the in style(p) climate change conference took buttocks in Bali, Indonesia and it take ond actatives of over 180 countries. The two week effect included the sessions of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, as well as the toying of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The Bali Roadmap was adopted from the conference which charts the course for a new negotiating process to be concluded by 2009 that will drive to a post 2012 international agreement on climate change. The abutting meeting of the parties to the climate change convention is scheduled to take graze on December 2008 in Poland.After the Kyoto Protocol wa s established, Europe inevitable to take run to succeed in cutting its greenho physical exercise gas emissions to 8% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012, as required by the Kyoto Protocol. This action was taken by launching the European Climate Change computer program (ECCP) in June 2000 which was then ratified in October 2005. The main goal of the ECCP was to develop all of the necessary elements of an EU strategy to implement the Kyoto Protocol. From this European Climate Change Programme, the Energy Performance of buildings leading (EPBD 2003) was authentic. This is explained in chapter 2.4 of this text.(www.euroace.org/reports)In dress for Ireland to meet its Kyoto butt joint of limiting the increase of greenhouse gas emissions to 13% above 1990 levels by 2008-2012, a matter Climate Change scheme was implemented.2.3 Ireland and the Kyoto ProtocolThe Kyoto Protocol was adopted to tackle the threat of climate change. It contains licitly binding greenhouse gas emission target s for developed countries for the post 2000 period. The Protocol promises to move the international community one step closer to achieving the Conventions (UNFCCC) last objective of preventing man-make interference with the climate system.As a original step towards tackling the threat of climate change, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) required developed countries to put in place policies and measures with objectives of returning emissions of greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by the end of the decade. However, in recognition of the train to take more substantial and urgent action, industrialised or developed countries committed to expurgate their combined emissions of greenhouse gases by at least 5% compared to 1990 levels by the first commitment period 2008-2012. The protocol came into commit on 16 February 2005. As of November 2007, 174 parties have ratified the protocol. Of these, 36 developed countries are required to reduce greenhouse gas em issions to the levels specified for individualistly of them in the treaty.The EU has an overall reduction target of 8% below 1990 levels and has agreed a burden sharing agreement that recognises the assorted economic circumstances of each section maintain. Irelands target is to limit the increase in its greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol to 13% above 1990 levels by 2008-2012.To date Ireland has struggled to get on target and at this stage looks unbelievable to meet the 13% figure. With the help of the National Climate Change system and the Protocol flexible machines, this target may yet be achieved.The National Climate Change strategy 2007- 2012 provides the national policy material for addressing greenhouse gas emission reductions and ensuring that Ireland meets its target for the purpose of the Kyoto Protocol. Ireland may achieve their individual targets through domestic actions and use of flexible mechanisms provided for in the Protocol. The Government ha s fixed that it will use the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms to purchase up to 3.607 trillion Kyoto Units in each year of the 2008-2012 period.(www.environ.ie)2.3.1 Kyoto Protocol Flexible Mechanisms / Emissions TradingAn of the essence(p) part of the Kyoto Protocol was the introduction of terzetto flexible mechanisms to reduce the cost of achieving emission reductions for the part states with emission reduction or limitation targets. The mechanisms enable Parties to purchase Kyoto Units from new(prenominal) Parties or to invest in cost-effective opportunities to reduce emissions. While the cost of reducing emissions varies adoptably between projects and between countries, the effect for the atmosphere of limiting emissions is the same no matter where the action occurs.The three mechanisms are outlined belowJoint Implementation (JI)This is provided for under piece 6 of the Protocol, and enables Parties with reduction commitments to implement projects that reduce emission s in other penis states with reduction commitments, in return for credits. The tradable unit under the JI mechanism is an Emissions step-downs Unit (ERU).Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)This is provided for under Article 12 of the protocol and enables Parties with targets to participate in projects that reduce emissions in those Parties that do not have targets under the protocol. This mechanism is aimed at developing countries. Credits generated using the CDM mechanism can be used by the investing political party for compliance purposes. The tradable unit under the CDM mechanism is a Certified Emissions Reduction (CER).International Emissions TradingThis is provided under Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol and enables Parties or member states that have a greenhouse gas emissions limitation or reduction target under the Protocol to acquire Kyoto Units from those Parties that have trim back their emissions beyond their target under the Protocol. The tradable unit under emissions t rading is an charge Amount Unit (AAU).The National Treasury Management power is the designated get agent for Ireland and will administer and manage purchases of Kyoto Units on behalf of the Government. A employ Carbon Fund has been established for this purpose. All purchases will be made in accordance with the following objectivesThat they contribute to the ultimate objective of the United National Framework Convention on Climate ChangeThat luck is minimised, particularly in relation to the timely delivery of creditsThat they represent good value for moneyThe National Treasury Management Agency will use the following mechanisms to purchase Kyoto UnitsDirect purchase of Kyoto Units from other Kyoto Protocol member statesDirect investment in joint carrying out and clean development project activitiesDirect market purchases of Kyoto UnitsAny special Kyoto Units held by the State at the end of the 2008-2012 commitment period can be banked and used in a subsequent commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol or any successor treaty.(National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government)Below is a graph illustrating the impart greenhouse gas emissions for all sectors of all the member states up to 2005. As we can see, Ireland is somewhat off reaching its Kyoto target.2.4 The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)2.4.1 IntroductionEnergy cognitive operation demands in the build sector deep down the EU range from rather demanding zip regulations and already established dynamism authentication schemes in countries like Denmark and Germany, to the situation in countries like France and Spain with low regulation demands and without certification processes established at national level (Casal, 2006).EU legislation and policies, implemented through the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD), aim to provide a more uniform approach to implementing building vital force saving measures and reaching Co2 e mission goals. Each member state is required to translate and implement the policies and guidelines within the context of its healthy and economic poser.The EPBD was enacted by the European Union in line with the Kyoto Protocol to reduce European building expertness consumption by 10 per cent by 2010 and 20 per cent by 2020 complete energy ratings of 2 million existing buildings by 2010 and cut Co2 emissions by 45 million tonnes by 2010 (Casal, 2006). The directive is the first move to target buildings specifically to reduce emissions and overall energy consumption in the verbal expression sector.2.4.2 Overview of the EPBDThe EPBD is a legislative act of the European Union which requires member states to achieve particular results with respect to the energy cognitive operation of buildings.The directive 2002/91/EC (EPBD, 2003) of the European Parliament and Council on energy efficiency of buildings was adopted by member states and the European Parliament on 16th December 2002 a nd came into potency on 4th January 2003.This directive is a very most-valuable legislative component of energy efficiency activities of the European Union designed to meet the Kyoto commitment.The directive concerns a gigantic number of participants on all levels with different impacts and different motivations designers, housing associations, architects, providers of building appliances, installation companies, building experts, owners, and tenants effectively all energy consumers in the European Union.It will greatly affect cognizance of energy use in buildings, and is intended to lead to substantial increases in investments in energy efficiency measures within these buildings. The EPBD has created a great gainsay for the transformation of the European building sector towards energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources.The 4th of January 2006 was the official deadline by which the 25 member states had to transpose the directive.2.4.3 Objectives and Requireme nts of EPBDThe objective of the EPBD is to improve the energy performance of buildings within the community, pickings into account outdoor climate conditions as well as interior climate requirements and cost effectiveness.The directive lays down requirements regardingThe framework for a ruleological analysis of calculation of the integrated energy performance of buildingsThe application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of new buildingsThe application of minimum requirements on the energy performance of large existing buildings that are subject to major regainingThe energy performance certification of buildingsThe regular inspection of boilers, an assessment of the heat up installation in which the boilers are more than 15 years aged and an inspection of air conditioning systems in buildingsThe requirements for experts and inspectors for the certification of buildings, the drafting of the attach to recommendations and the inspection of boilers and air condition ing systems.The requirements of each member state are set out in the EPBD under different articles. (EPBD, 2002)2.4.4 Summary of Articles2.4.4.1 word sense of a methodologyEach member state is required to have a method of calculating the energy performance of buildings. This calculation method can be set at a national or a regional level.This is an extract of the directive on article 3Member States shall apply a methodology, at national or regional level, of calculation of the energy performance of buildings on the basis of the general framework set out in the Annex. Parts 1 and 2 of this framework shall be adapted to technical progress in accordance with the social occasion referred to in Article 14(2), taking into account standards or norms applied in member state legislation. This methodology shall be set at national or regional level. The energy performance of a building shall be expressed in a transparent manner and may include a CO2 emission indicator (EPBD, 2002)2.4.4.2 Sett ing of energy performance requirementsThese minimum requirements shall be reviewed every five years. Some categories of buildings may be exempted from the requirements. These includeProtected buildings and monumentsBuildings used as places of worshipTemporary buildingsresidential buildings intended to be used for little than 4 months of the year set up alone buildings with a total useful floor area of less than 50m2.4.4.3 Setting of energy performance requirements for new buildingsEach member state will set minimum energy performance requirements for new buildings.For large new buildings with a floor area of over 1000m member states should consider alternative energy systems before construction starts. These includeDecentralised energy supply systems based on renewable energyCHP (combined heat and power) partition or block heating or cooling, if availableHeat pumps, under certain conditionsThe consideration of the alternative energy systems should take technical, environmental and economic feasibility into account.2.4.4.4 Setting of energy performance requirements for existing buildingsEach member state will ensure that when buildings over 1000m undergo major regaining that their energy performance is upgraded to meet minimum requirements. The minimum standards may be applied to the whole building or limited to the renovated part.2.4.4.5 Energy performance protectionEach member state must ensure that when a building is constructed that an energy performance certificate is made available to the owner. When a building is sold or rented out an energy performance certificate must be made available to the prospective vendee or tenant. The certificate is valid for 10 years.For buildings over 1000m occupied by in the public eye(predicate) authorities, an energy certificate must be placed in a prominent place clearly visible to the public.2.4.4.6 Independent expertsMember States shall ensure that the certificate of buildings, the drafting of the accompanying reco mmendations and the inspection of boilers and air-conditioning systems are carried out in an independent manner by qualified or accredited experts, whether direct as sole traders or employed by public or private enterprise bodies.(EPBD, 2002)Implementing EPBD in Ireland2.5.1 Building Control conduct 2007The Building Control Act provides for the legal transposition of the EUs Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) into Irish law. This will lead to energy efficiency becoming an important aspect of design concern for all buildings, both residential and non-residential. It is meaty that the general public and companies involved in the industry understand the impact of the directive on residential and commercial property in Ireland.The Act requires that there will have to be mandatory building energy rating (BER) certificates for some buildings. This means that when a building is constructed, sold or rented out, the owner must provide a BER certificate to the prospective buy er or tenant. The BER will be accompanied by an advisory report setting out recommendations for cost-effective improvements to the energy performance of the building. This is further explained in chapter 3.The successful implementation of the directive will require that systems are in place to guarantee the day-to-day delivery of assessment and inspection operate by qualified people in a way that is consistent, realistic and cost efficient, and with acceptable response times that maintain levels of service in the construction and property markets. (www.lkshields.ie/htmdocs/publications/newsletters)www.sei.iewww.epbd.iehttp//www.euroace.org/reports/CIBSE_EUBD.pdfCasal, X.G. (2006), Analysis of building energy regulation and certification in Europe their role, limitations and differences, Energy and Buildings, Vol. 38 No.5, pp.381-92Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2002