CEN standards to support the EPBD

European standards are being written by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), which are intended to support the EPBD in due course. They cover the uses of energy mentioned in the EPBD - heating, cooling, ventilation systems, hot water and lighting - as well as the calculation method of building's energy use, taking account of the aspects given in the EPBD Annex.

In addition to the mechanics of the energy calculation itself, the suite of standards also encompass:

• ways of expressing energy performance requirements. These can be given in terms of delivered energy, primary energy or CO₂ emissions and either as an absolute value or by reference to a notional building with defined characteristics
• energy rating, either as an Asset Rating (by calculation for standardised usage of the building) or as an Operational Rating (from metered energy consumption)
• guidelines for the inspection of boilers, heating systems and air conditioning systems.

Drafts of the standards are expected by the end of 2004.

For more information see the CEN website