Section 63 assessment
It has become mandatory for commercial landowners in Scotland to undertake a Section 63 assessment to comply with energy efficiency requirements for domestic buildings of more than 1000m² with eligibility for an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) for rent or sale.
Buildings that meet energy standards equivalent to those introduced by the 2002 building regulations or are already improved via a Green Deal are exempted from the regulations.
The assessment results in the production of an action plan setting targets for enhancing the carbon and energy performance of the building and how these targets could be met through physical improvements to the property.
An action plan may contains measures such as lighting controls upgrade, low energy lighting improvements, boiler replacement, heating controls enhancement, installation of draught stripping to windows and doors, insulation installation and so on.
Action plans are submitted in the EPC register and the owners have to make these details available to prospective tenants or buyers.
Once the targets and measures are finalised, they should be implemented or carried out within 42 months of the action plan. If the building owner does not complete the improvement measures within this time, a DEC certificate must be produced on a yearly basis until all the improvements are implemented. If the building owner completes the improvements within 42 months, a fresh action plan and EPC are created and submitted. This step proves that the property owner has done everything to meet the regulation requirements.
If a property owner fails to produce an action plan while selling or renting the property or does not perform or complete the enhancement works within the stipulated time frame; they may be liable to pay a fine for each failure.
Action plans are produced by persons registered as section 63 advisors, who have demonstrated competence in the assessment procedure and the provision of improvement advice to building owners.
Local authorities and the Scottish government monitor the energy improvement data collection and if they identify that the energy improvement measures do not meet the expected standards, property owners will be asked to perform retrofit works prescribed in the regulations.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..