The Energy Performance of Buildings Directives (EPBDs) are political initiatives taken by the European Union to tackle the problems of climate change and security of energy supply. One of the key measures of these directives is the use of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to model the energy performance of housing. This research investigates whether the current calculation methodologies in use for the generation of EPCs in the Mediterranean are appropriate. The analysis was carried out by comparative testing using different national methodologies from Cyprus, Italy, Malta and Spain on four test case study dwellings. The test results were validated against the output from dynamic simulation software and against monitored temperature and energy data from the test case properties. Considerable differences in the outputs from the various national methodologies currently in use were found. It was concluded that several of the EPC calculation methodologies have not been calibrated against the energy profile representative of the national or regional building stock; accurate definition of the operating parameters for the heating and cooling system is particularly significant if a more precise prediction of the energy performance of the dwelling is required; and the underlying assumptions made by the national application of the EN ISO 13790 standard for the calculation of the energy use for space heating and cooling have a greater influence on the outputs from the certification methodology than the choice of calculation method. It is quite clear that calibration of the EPC methodology is essential for the certificates to provide an effective means of achieving the aims of the EPBD. However, at a conceptual level, the results from this research have also shown that the mild Mediterranean climate with its inherently low energy demand for residential space heating and cooling could justify a different regional approach to tackle the EPBD goals of reduction in carbon emissions and dependency on imported fuels.

Purpose -The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2002/91/EC introduced various obligatory requirements intended to achieve the reduction of use of energy resources in buildings. This directive had to be transposed into national legislation by the EU member states. Concurrently the European Committee for Standardisation developed a number of technical standards to assist member states to define the methodology for the calculation of the energy performance of buildings. The purpose of this paper is to present a comparative review of the relationship between the European directive and the standards, and the different country legislation and methodologies that have been implemented in Malta, Italy, Spain and Cyprus. Design/methodology/approach -The analysis is based on a review of national legislation in the four states. Reference is also made to publications by the Concerted Action for the EPBD and to related publications by the national bodies responsible for the implementation of the EPBD. These include the Ministry for Economic Development in Italy, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism in Cyprus, the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs in Malta, and the Ministries of Industry Tourism and Commerce and of Housing in Spain. Findings -This paper analyses and compares the implementation of the directive using the above-mentioned sources. In so doing, it focuses on general principles rather than on the specific technical requirements for the calculation method in the various states. The paper then considers the implementation of these general principles within each state before finally drawing conclusions about whether legislation relating to the original Directive 2002/91/EC is meeting its objectives and the implications relating to the requirements of the recast Directive 2010/31/EC. Research limitations/implications -The introduction of the directive in the states considered has taken place slowly and gradually over the last three to four years. There are few publications relating to the actual implementation of the directive, and this limits the possibility of comparison of sources. Originality/value -The relationship between the EPBD and the milder climate experienced in the Mediterranean is considered to be of great importance, particularly since world temperatures are slowly rising. However, it is acknowledged that insufficient research has been carried out on the energy performance of buildings in this region. This paper investigates the existing legal structures that have been put into place to implement the EPBD and the effectiveness of this implementation to date. IntroductionThe European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2002/91/EC introduced various obligatory requirements intended to achieve a reduction in the use of energy resources in buildings and, consequently, the reduction of the environmental impact of energy use in buildings. Article 7 of the directive formally specified the current European requirement for the energy certification of buildings....

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 2002/91/EC introduced various obligatory requirements intended to achieve the reduction of use of energy resources in buildings and consequentially the reduction of the impact of energy use in buildings. Article 7 of the directive formally specified the current European requirement for the energy certification of buildings. In order to implement this requirement, a general framework for establishing a methodology of calculation of the total energy performance of buildings became necessary. The Maltese methodology for the issuance of energy performance certificates for residential property was developed and introduced by the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs in 2010. This methodology differs from that of most other European countries since the energy used for cooling in summer is taken into consideration when carrying out the calculation. Most states only consider the energy for heating in winter for residential energy certificates. A study of the results produced by the Maltese certification process is being used to identify whether the methodology implemented is an accurate tool for environmental monitoring of energy use in Maltese residential property. The analysis is utilised to establish a benchmark for energy use in different residential property typologies. This analysis is developed further to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the certification procedure as a design tool, and to understand whether the procedure can be effectively applied in the cost optimisation of residential construction or refurbishment projects.

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