The variability of UK domestic energy assessments

Abstract

The 2008 Climate Change Act has committed the UK to reduce carbon emissions by 80 per cent in 2050 from 1990 levels. Key to achieving this is a focus on reducing carbon emissions in residential property, where more than a quarter of the nation's carbon dioxide is emitted. The assessment of dwellings is an essential part of this process and this paper investigates the role of the assessor and the various energy models as applied in the UK. Within this context, the authors consider the building energy modelling system that is in place for reporting carbon reductions, with a focus on the role of assessors. In doing this, the authors will simulate errors in data collection and input, and analyse their ramifications for building performance and the incentive systems in the UK. The paper closes by considering how the problem may be further investigated to better understand the linkages between policy, knowledge and performance analysis in UK domestic properties.