Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The requirement for DECs came into effect in October 2008. They were
trialed in the UK under an EU-funded project also called 'Display' and coor-
dinated by Energie-Cités; participants included Durham County Council
and the Borough of Milton Keynes.
6.3.2.5 Criticism
EPCs have gained some political controversy, partly reflecting the housing
market crisis in the United Kingdom (2008). Many in the housing industry,
such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, have criticised the
introduction of both Home Information Pack (HIPs) and EPCs because they
are not automatically qualified to carry out inspections. The EPC suffers
deficiencies in attempting to evaluate the energy efficiencies of houses. For
example, it takes no account of wall thickness at all, so that some very thick
and thus insulating walls in older houses count the same as though they
were only two bricks thick. A further objection is often made concerning
the quality of inspection made to produce the certificate. It cannot be inva-
sive, so the inspector cannot drill walls or ceilings to determine the state or
even existence of any insulation. He can either assume the worst (no insula-
tion present) or rely on the householder (who may know about the matter).
This can produce uncertainty about the validity of the output from his or
her analysis. In addition, the procedure lacks detail—for example, draught
proofing is not considered nor is the balance between ventilation and heat
retention for the dwelling. Finally, EPCs pose particular problems for the
owners of listed buildings because improvements such as double glazing
are often barred by the controls on changes to such structures, making it
difficult to rectify low ratings.
6.3.2.6 The Energy Label Australia
The energy rating label enables consumers to compare the energy efficiency
of domestic appliances on a fair and equitable basis. It also provides an incen-
tive for manufacturers to improve the energy performance of appliances.
The energy rating label was first introduced in 1986 in New South Wales and
Victoria. It is now mandatory in all states and territories for refrigerators,
freezers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, dishwashers and air conditioners
(single phase only) to carry the label when they are offered for sale. Three-
phase air conditioners may carry an energy label if the suppliers choose to
apply for one.
The energy rating label has two main features:
1. The star rating gives a quick comparative assessment of the model's
energy efficiency.
2. The comparative energy consumption (usually kWh/year) provides
an estimate of the annual energy consumption of the appliance
