Energy Efficiency legislation (sticks)

ErP, Part L, CRC, EPC …. Just some of the many different legislation (sticks) that effect UK businesses today. The aim is to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, in support of legally binding EU targets.

But do you understand the different rules and regulations that may impact on your business and your customers?We explain the basics below and show you where to go to find out more.

Building Regulations Part L

New Part L Building Regulations were published in August 2013 and came into force 6th April 2014. The main impact of the revised regulations is in the new build market sectors with increased efficiency requirements for boilers up to 2 MW, as well as the requirement for condensing gas fired water heaters. There is no change to the requirements for existing buildings. 

Read more about the efficiency criteria here.

Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, (or CRC Scheme), is designed to improve energy efficiency and cut emissions in the UK’s larger public and private sector organisations. Collectively, these organisations are responsible for around

10% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Qualifying organisations must participate and have to buy allowances for every tonne of carbon they emit. 

Read about this on the Government website.

Climate Change Levy (CCL)

The Climate Change Levy (CCL) is an environmental energy tax which was introduced in the UK in April 2001.

It is charged on the business use of energy and designed to encourage businesses to become more energy efficient and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

CCL is charged by energy suppliers and is generally shown as a separate line item on energy bills. Suppliers collect the CCL charged to customers and pay this over to HM Revenue & Customs. The scheme is scheduled to run until March 2019 after which it will be abolished following the 2018-19 compliance year.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

All properties (homes, commercial and public buildings) must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when sold, built or rented, as part of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Larger public buildings over 500 m² must display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). Under the Energy Act 2011, the government enforced a minimum building energy performance rating of E on letting residential and non-domestic buildings on 1 April 2018. Stricter rules which prohibit to continue letting a property with an EPC rating of band F or G will be introduced on 1 April 2023.

Energy related Products (ErP) Directive

The Energy Related Products (ErP) Directive is aimed at phasing out certain products with a lower efficiency rating and high NOx emissions.

ErP covers a vast range of product groups, with implementation split in to ‘lots’. Lots 1 and 2 were published in September 2013. For Lot 1, there is a 2 year derogation period for product compliance of boilers up to 400 kW. New minimum gross efficiency requirements (94% part load, 86% full load) effectively stopped the sale of atmospheric boilers since September 2015, along with the sale of non-compliant pre-mix and pressure jet boilers in this <400 kW category.

Lot 2 has staged derogation periods for product compliance of water heaters. This will effectively eliminate the sale of atmospheric water heaters in 2018, moving the direct fired water heater market to condensing models.

Read more about the efficiency criteria here.

Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)

Large enterprises (non SMEs) are required to carry out an energy audit every 4 years, to promote the uptake of energy efficiency measures. These audits must be undertaken by 5 December 2015.

The public sector is not required to participate. 

More information is available on the Government website.

Free incentives and legislation guide

Click here to download your free Hamworthy 'carrots and sticks' guide to energy efficiency incentives and legislation in commercial heating and hot water.

It’s not all rules; there are carrots (incentives) available for investment in in energy efficient products for your next commercial heating and hot water project.

For free advice on product compliance for your next project, get in touch.

Hamworthy Heating does not accept responsibility for errors or changes in the information provided. Hamworthy Heating does not endorse the content of the websites referenced, which are provided for signposting only.