Energy performance of existing non-domestic buildings: information

Introduction

The Energy Efficient Scotland programme sets out the journey our homes, businesses and public buildings will take to become more energy efficient. This page contains information on regulations made under section 63 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 - The Assessment of Energy Performance of Non-domestic Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2016. These regulations apply to owners of non-domestic buildings and require action to assess and improve energy efficiency and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their building.

When the regulations apply

Regulations apply from 1 September 2016. They apply to larger buildings, those with a floor area of more than 1,000 m² and are triggered by either sale or by lease to a new tenant. Generally, owners of such buildings also require to provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in such situations. Buildings that meet energy standards equivalent to those introduced by the 2002 building regulations (these buildings are already reasonably energy efficient); or are already improved via a Green Deal (a UK Government funding mechanism) are exempted from the regulations.

What the regulations require

Where the regulations apply, the owner of the building must undertake further assessment to produce an ‘Action Plan’ which identifies targets for improvement of the carbon and energy performance of the building and how these targets would be met through physical improvements to the property.  Once an Action Plan is finalised, the owner can chose to improve or to defer the improvements by reporting operational energy ratings (actual measured energy use via a Display Energy Certificate or ‘DEC’) on an annual basis. All Action Plans and DECs are lodged to the Scottish EPC Register.

As is the case with an EPC, the Action Plan must be made available to prospective buyers or tenants and provided to the new owner or tenant. Provision of the Action Plan is all that is required to enable marketing of the property. Building on the existing EPC assessor role, the Action Plan will be produced by persons also registered as a ‘section 63 advisor’, who have demonstrated competence in the assessment procedure and the provision of improvement advice to building owners.

Requirements are discussed in detail in S63-001 - Improving Energy Performance and Emissions in existing Non-Domestic Buildings – a guide for owners

More information

Additional guidance on a range of topics, such as roles and responsibilities, software tools and systems and ‘frequently asked questions’ is published below.

Guidance

• Requirements to Assess and Improve Energy Performance and Emissions in existing Non-Domestic Buildings – Information Leaflet
• S63-001 - Improving Energy Performance and Emissions in existing Non-Domestic Buildings – a guide for owners
• S63-002 - A Guide to Display Energy Certificates and Advisory Reports for Buildings
• S63-009 - Improving Energy Performance and Emissions in existing Non-Domestic Buildings - Frequently Asked Questions
• How to find a Section 63 Advisor / DEC Assessor (This link will take you to the ‘search for an assessor’ facility on the Scottish EPC Register)

Administrative documents

• S63-005 - Information on Approved Organisations registering Section 63 Advisors and DEC Assessors
• S63-006 - Section 63 Approved Organisation Guide
• S63-007 - Operating Framework for Approved Organisations – production of Action Plans for existing non-domestic buildings
• S63-008 - Operating Framework for Approved Organisations – production of Display Energy Certificates and Advisory Reports for existing non-domestic buildings
• S63-017 -Section 63 Protocol Extension - Application Form and No

Technical documents

• S63-003 - Methodology for the production of Operational Ratings, Display Energy Certificates and Advisory Reports in Scotland
• S63-004 - A user guide to Section 63 Assessments For Scotland using iSBEM