A comparative study of the energy certification schemes implemented in the UK and ASHRAE building energy labelling programme

Following inception of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in the EU, energy certification schemes have gained prominence in the UK in recent years. Introduction of building Energy Quotient (bEQ), ASHRAE’s new building energy labelling programme, provides an opportunity to compare these schemes and explore improvement opportunities. ASHRAE’s bEQ broadly follows the same principles that underpin the energy certification schemes implemented in the UK. However, greater consistency in baselines defined for the ‘As Designed’ and ‘In Operation’ schemes, attention to key determinants of energy use based on building type, and an integrated approach to operational rating & indoor environmental quality are among the key contributions of bEQ that can help improve building energy certification programmes.