The ‘energy performance rating of dwellings in Malta’ (EPRDM) calculation tool – the EPB assessors’ perspective

Abstract

Research has amply shown that by improving the energy efficiency of buildings, the European Union (EU) could reduce its total energy consumption and associated carbon emissions by a considerable amount. To address this aspect, the EU in 2002 issued Directive 2002/91/EC (later repealed by Directive 2010/31/EC), primarily requiring Member States to set up a system where buildings would be certified for their energy efficiency. In this context, each Member State was required to develop and institute its own methodology for the certification of buildings. Most countries achieved this through the creation of a dedicated software tool conforming to this calculation methodology. In Malta, the national calculation tool developed is the ‘Energy Performance Rating of Dwellings in Malta’ (EPRDM). Although available since 2009, very little feedback is available on how the software has so far performed in terms of providing a useful platform for the issue of energy performance certificates of buildings. To address this aspect, the research presented in this paper explores and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of EPRDM, by gauging the experience of EPB Assessors in using this particular tool. Finally a number of preliminary recommendations on possible changes and improvements are presented.