An investigation into the practical application of residential energy certificates

Abstract

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2002/91/EC introduced various obligatory requirements intended to achieve the reduction of use of energy resources in buildings and consequentially the reduction of the impact of energy use in buildings. Article 7 of the directive formally specified the current European requirement for the energy certification of buildings. In order to implement this requirement, a general framework for establishing a methodology of calculation of the total energy performance of buildings became necessary. The Maltese methodology for the issuance of energy performance certificates for residential property was developed and introduced by the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs in 2010. This methodology differs from that of most other European countries since the energy used for cooling in summer is taken into consideration when carrying out the calculation. Most states only consider the energy for heating in winter for residential energy certificates. A study of the results produced by the Maltese certification process is being used to identify whether the methodology implemented is an accurate tool for environmental monitoring of energy use in Maltese residential property. The analysis is utilised to establish a benchmark for energy use in different residential property typologies. This analysis is developed further to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the certification procedure as a design tool, and to understand whether the procedure can be effectively applied in the cost optimisation of residential construction or refurbishment projects.