Implementing European requirements

The European Union has influence over certain aspects of the built environment across member states.

Energy performance of buildings Directive

We ensure compliance through The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008 to make buildings energy efficient.

You can find more information on our energy performance page

Inspection of air conditioning systems over 12kW

The inspection is designed to promote the efficiency of air conditioning systems over 12kW and improve the overall energy efficiency of the building. The findings are recorded in an inspection report which may also include recommendations for reducing cooling loads and improving energy efficiency in the building. In addition, the report sets a timescale of three to five years for the next inspection.

Section 0 of the domestic and non-domestic technical handbooks explains the inspection requirements.

All buildings with an air-conditioning system with an effective rating of 12kW or more should have received their first inspection. Failure to have your building systems inspected will leave you liable to an enforcement notice and action under section 26 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.

Guidance on the inspection and reporting process is set out in the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) document TM44. Multiple systems that together total 12kW or more only require inspection if they are linked by a central control.

Inspections may only be carried out by members of professional organisations or institutions we have entered into a protocol with. Each organisation or institution adheres to an operational framework for the inspection of air conditioning systems over 12kW.

Organisations can request to enter into a protocol by submitting an inspection of air-conditioning systems application.

Broadband Cost Reduction Directive

European Directive 2014/61/EU is intended to reduce the cost of rolling out high-speed fixed and wireless electronic communications networks. Building regulations implement Article 8, which ensures that newly constructed buildings are equipped with the physical infrastructure to enable cost-effective installation of cabling, providing a minimum broadband speed of 30 megabits per second (Mbps). We do this through Standard 4.14 of the technical handbooks.

Construction Products Regulations

The Construction Products Regulations (CPR) prevent the misunderstanding of product marketing by ensuring that materials and construction are described using a common technical language. These standards are subject to change and you can find a list of the latest publications in Appendix B of the  domestic and non-domestic technical handbooks.

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