Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings

6.8 Written information

Mandatory Standard

Standard 6.8

This occupiers of a building must be provided with written information by the owner:

a) on the operation and maintenance of the building services and energy supply systems; and

b) where any air-conditioning system in the building is subject to regulation 17, stating a time-based interval for inspection of the system.

Limitation:

This standard does not apply to:

a) major power plants serving the National Grid

b) buildings which do not use fuel or power for heating, lighting, ventilating and cooling the internal environment and heating the water supply services

c) the process and emergency lighting components of a building

d) heating provided solely for the purpose of frost protection

e) lighting systems in a domestic building, or

f) energy supply systems used solely for industrial and commercial processes, leisure use and emergency use within a building.

6.8.1 Application of standard to conversions

In the case of conversions, as specified in regulation 4, the building as converted shall meet the requirement of this standard (regulation 12, schedule 6).

6.8.2 Commentary

Correct use and maintenance of building services equipment is essential if the benefits of enhanced energy efficiency are to be realised. The purpose of this standard is to make such information available to the occupier of a building. Clause 6.8.3 notes that where alterations are carried out to existing building services on a piecemeal basis, there is a risk of sub-optimal efficiency overall. In these cases, a list of recommendations which would improve the overall energy efficiency of the system should be provided.

There is no reason that this standard cannot be met in full within conversions and other buildings or projects to which this guidance applies, but there may be difficulties in some cases acquiring the necessary written information for existing services.