What is an Alternative Energy Feasibility Study?
Anyone who is planning to invest in an alternative energy system, be it solar photovoltaic electricity generation, solar water heating, small scale wind turbine or any other form of alternative energy, needs to know whether the project makes technical, environmental and, above all, economical sense. A feasibility study is an evaluation of the technical solutions available in terms of alternative energy. It also aims to calculate a payback period on the investment together with the actual reduction of CO2 emissions.
Who needs an Alternative Energy Feasibility Study?
Before any investment, any wise business person would want to know whether the project is sensible and what the projected returns on investment are. Hence, just like any other project, an alternative energy project requires a feasibility study.
In addition, from the 2nd January 2009, in accordance with the European Union's Energy Performance in Buildings Directive and the Maltese Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations all new buildings with a total useful are of over 1000m2 require a documented feasibility study on alternative energy systems. This document should be available on request of the Malta Resources Authority or the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
Document F is a reference name to a Technical Guidance Document F issued by the Building Regulations Office (Malta) which lists the obligations and pre-requisites that a new building or a major building renovation must comply to. These requirements have been in force since January 2006 by means of the Minimum Requirements of Buildings Regualtions, 2006 (LN 238 of 2006) which have now been replaced by the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, 2008 (LN 261 of 2008).
On several occasions, the Malta Resources Authority or the Malta Environment and Planning Authority request a certificate of compliance with the requirements of this document.
An Energy Audit is an exercise to establish how energy is being consumed in your building and identify possible opportunities for improvement. This work should distinguish problem areas which, when corrected, will provide substantial energy and cost savings. There are various levels of detail that an energy audit can get into. Econing can provide a Screening Energy Audit or a more extensive Site Energy Audit, depending on your requirements.
To start saving energy, you first need to determine where it is being lost. If you are not happy with your present energy consumption values and think that there is room for improvement, then an Energy Audit will help you identify the problem areas that can be remedied to give you noteworthy savings. It will also prioritise those actions that will provide the greatest cost reduction first. An Energy Audit may also be suitable to help you establish which tariff is most suitable for your energy consumption profile.
What type of Energy Audit do you recommend?
This really depends on the actual energy consumption and the characteristics of your building. For homes and small retail outlets, a Screening Energy Audit is usually sufficient to establish where energy saving opportunities exist. For larger buildings, offices, hotels, sizeable commercial premises and buildings offering service to several persons during the day, a more detailed Site Energy Audit is recommended.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that gives a rating of the energy efficiency of a building, a boiler installation or an air conditioning system. It is produced after a professional assessment of the property or system. It is a requirement of an EU directive, namely the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive 2002/91/EC) and Maltese Law, specifically the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, 2008 (LN 261/2008).
An EPC also outlines recommendations which help to improve the building's energy performance. Implementing these can lead to lower energy bills and reduced carbon deposits.
Do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?
An energy performance certificate is required when selling or hiring property and when submitting planning applications. Owners of public buildings need to display a valid EPC in a prominent place in their building.
My house is over 100 years old. Do I still need an EPC?
Unless your building is classified as Grade One or Grade Two scheduled property by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) and appears on the Malta Scheduled Property Register, you are still required to produce an EPC. Older buildings are more likely to achieve a better rating due to construction techniques employed at the time, such as thick external walls and other constructional features.
Can my property fail certification?
The assessment for certification does not give a pass or fail result. It only serves as an indication of the energy efficiency. It is unlikely that the energy efficiency rating of your building will have an impact on the value of your property. However, intelligent sellers are using this as a selling tool. At times when energy costs are a concern, properties that are greener and cheaper to run are more attractive to potential buyers.
Where can I get more details on EPC?
Our EPC Explained page provides full details on Energy Performance Certification in Malta.
Should we be able to help you with our advice on energy management, energy performance certification or any other service we offer, you can find our contact details by clicking "Contact Us" above. You can also fill in the contact form and we will get back to you.