Implementing change – effectively and efficiently
April 1st 2007 While the Budget announced a number of changes of interest to energy managers, there are more immediate legal changes to take account of during the coming months, as Alan Aldridge, executive director of the Energy Services and Technology Association (ESTA), explains
The recent Budget statement by Gordon Brown promises some benefits to energy management – but not just yet. Most of the measures, such as the changes to the way in which Enhanced Capital Allowances will work (including an arrangement for companies to claim back investment even where profits are less than the allowance they are entitled to) will not come into effect until 2008.
Yet some important changes are due to come into force in the next few months and energy managers and buildings operators need to be aware of these now.As Water Energy & Environment went to press, an announcement was expected from the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) giving the final go-ahead for energy labelling.This will be introduced in stages and the first phase will be the requirement for energy certificates to be included in the new Home Information Packs from June this year. Expanding the scheme to nondomestic buildings will follow shortly.
Other events have overshadowed these changes though.The EU in March adopted a target of a 20% cut in emissions by 2020 which will soon have to feed through to national legislation if it is to have any chance of succeeding.The plan includes a substantial energy efficiency programme, which involves far more than the muchreported phase-out of traditional lightbulbs! The introduction of the Climate Change Bill into Parliament a week later will provide much of the necessary framework, including the granting of new Government powers to introduce measures to cut emissions.
But back to the present.How should managers respond to the legislative changes, especially the recent revisions to the building regulations and the imminent implementation of energy labelling? Well, one way is to take attend on of ESTA's free one-day conferences being held around the country in May.With so much happening on the energy front at the moment, the Association has put together a programme that will look at both the current and impending legislation and the ways in which energy managers and building operators can both comply and make the most of the changes.
It is clear that the arrival of energy certification and energy services – both as a result of European agreements – will require a rethink of the way in which energy management is addressed.
The labelling scheme is designed to make the management of energy across an organisation much more transparent and open to public scrutiny. Ultimately, performance levels will have to be explained to the public, as well as potential purchasers and tenants, in a simple easy-to-read certificate.Although these are being introduced gradually they will eventually apply to all buildings in the country.
Another major change, which is only now beginning to impact on organisations, is the push towards energy services.The efficient use of a valuable commodity like energy needs a range of approaches and technologies. Energy services providers aim to provide the right mix for specific applications.This principle has been recognised at European level and is now been applied on the ground.The conference will explain how the concept works in practice, especially given the need to start working for energy certification.
For more information on the conferences, and to register, please visit:www.esta.org.uk More articles from ESTA: | 
