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On 12 October, The European Commission sent the UK a reasoned opinion for its failure to give details on how it plans to implement the 2002 EPBD.

Reasoned opinions are the final step before the Commission brings a formal complaint before the Court of Justice. In the absence of satisfactory replies to the reasoned opinions within two months, the Commission many bring these cases before the European court.

Member states should have implemented the EPBD by 4 January this year. The publication of a reasoned opinion follows an earlier letter sent in February, highlighting the UK’s failure to comply.

The UK is one of nine countries that have been sent a final warning by the Commission. Other countries dragging their feet include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Luxemburg, The Netherlands, the Slovak Republic and Spain.

The aim of the EPBD is to reduce energy consumption in buildings by imposing minimum energy performance standards for new buildings and large existing buildings.

Once member countries have established minimum energy standards, energy certificates can then be issued for each building to give it an energy performance rating, similar to those used for household compliances. Member states must also ensure heating and air-conditioning installations are regularly inspected in order to enable performance improvements in these areas.