The Northern Ireland Executive's decision to introduce compulsory Energy Performance Certificates for all house sales will come into effect by July.

All new builds will have to produce certificates by September, with all property sales and rentals instructed to provide the document by the end of 2008.

The scheme is derived from European Union obligations placed on member states to improve energy performance.

A series of seminars are due to be held by the Department of Finance and Personnel throughout Northern Ireland next month.

These will welcome the public as well as representatives of the local building and property professions to the meetings. 



• Tuesday 3 June, Radisson Hotel, Limavady
• Friday 6 June, Silver Birch Hotel, Omagh
• Monday 9 June, City Hotel, Armagh
• Tuesday 10 June, Templepatrick
• Wednesday 11 June, Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle

-- Advertisement --

The seminars are aimed at providing further detailing on the certificates and their main purpose. A colour coded rating for larger premises will also be discussed.



The hope is that the meetings will encourage involvement and greater understanding, particularly by highlighting the importance of energy efficiency in the buildings in which people live and work. 



The Executive wants to reduce Northern Ireland's carbon footprint. With the recent fuel cost increases, buildings that are more energy efficient should also be cheaper to run and be more attractive to prospective owners. 



Public sector buildings will not be exempt from the performance certificates; they too will have to display ratings by the end of the year.

(PR)