Accreditation Services

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was introduced in the UK from January 2006 with the objective of improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. It’s part of the government’s overall strategy to achieve a sustainable environment and meet climate change targets agreed under the Kyoto Protocol.

Under the EPBD, all homes, commercial and public buildings must have a current and valid EPC when built, sold or leased. Larger public buildings must display an energy certificate, and all air conditioning systems over 12kW must have an inspection and report.

encred can help you meet these statutory requirements in a straightforward, cost-effective and efficient way. We use our own in-house, directly employed team of highly qualified CIBSE accredited consultants and low carbon energy assessors to carry out these works in any of your buildings.

Energy Performance Certificates

Energy Performance Certificates or EPCs have been introduced to tell potential buyers or tenants about the energy performance of a particular building. The certificate, which is valid for ten years, provides ‘A’ to ‘G’ ratings for the building, similar to those seen on white goods.

encred can produce EPCs alongside a comprehensive recommendation report which suggests improvements to make your building more energy efficient. These reports are produced from detailed examination of how the rating of your building could be improved and running costs reduced.

Display Energy Certificates

Display Energy Certificates or DECs are required for all buildings with a total useful floor area over 1,000m² and occupied by a public authority or an institution providing public services to a large number of people. These include public swimming pools, libraries, schools, job centres and so on.

DECs show the actual energy usage of the building and must be displayed at the entrance to the property. A DEC is valid for one year, with the accompanying advisory report valid for seven years. The advisory report contains recommendations for improving the energy performance of the building.

Air Conditioning Inspections and reports

Air Conditioning Inspections and reports (ACIs) are legally required on all air conditioning systems over 12kW – inspections must be completed a maximum of five years apart.

encred can take care of all aspects of your ACI. Our inspection can help to improve your efficiency and reduce electricity consumption, operating costs and carbon emissions. We can also tell you how to improve the operation of your existing system, and give advice on replacing older, less energy efficient systems or oversized systems with newer, more energy efficient models. As part of the service, we can advise you on refrigerants with regard to ‘F’ Gas Regulations too.

Want to see how encred can help you meet your statutory obligations, improve your efficiency and reduce operating costs? 020 7084 6221 or email info@encred.co.uk. We will contact you to arrange a convenient time to visit your site.

BREEAM

BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) is the most widely-used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has become the de facto measure used to describe a building’s environmental performance. We have in-house assessors qualified for BREEAM In-Use, new construction retail, new construction offices, new construction other buildings and BREEAM international.

BREEAM In-Use has been developed to recognise and encourage better building management and targeted investment in existing building stock. It’s a scheme to help building operators reduce the running costs and improve the environmental performance of existing buildings. It consists of a standard, easy-to-use assessment system and an independent certification process that provides a clear and credible route to improved sustainability.

The environmental performance of your built assets is a key factor in your sustainability credentials and carbon footprint. Operating a building also represents a major cost – with soaring energy prices and an uncertain economic outlook, cutting energy, water, waste and other such costs can be a relatively easy way of improving profitability. BREEAM In-Use is designed to help you:

Reduce operational costs
Enhance the value and marketability of your property assets
Help with negotiating building improvements with landlords and owners
Provide a route to compliance with environmental legislation and standards, such as energy labelling and ISO 14001
Give greater engagement with your staff in implementing sustainable business practices
Provide opportunities to improve staff satisfaction with the working environment and improve productivity
Demonstrate your commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
Improve organisational effectiveness