Correspondence: Katherine Campbell, Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP, Trigen House, Central Boulevard, Blythe Valley Park, Solihull B90 8AB, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 121 210 6158; Fax: +44 (0) 121 210 6499; E-mail: kcampbell@reedsmith.com

¹is a senior associate solicitor in the Birmingham office of Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP, specialising in complex real estate litigation. She is a public speaker, speaking to audiences of surveyors and lawyers around the country and has published articles in specialist, regional and national press. She has particular expertise in matters involving insolvency and upon the regulatory framework as it affects property professionals, landlords and tenants.

Received 20 August 2007; Revised 20 August 2007.

Abstract

Energy performance of buildings is high on the Government's agenda. Fifty per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions come from buildings and with a goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent on 1990 levels by 2050, the Government has its work cut out. Amongst the raft of legislation, both national and international, the European Performance of Buildings Directive has particular significance. The UK is presently working its way towards complete compliance with the directive as it applies to the energy performance of new and existing buildings. Energy certification is a reality and with the EUs Action Plan on Energy Efficiency set to expand upon the requirements already in place, this is one bundle of red tape that cannot be ignored.