Buildings are responsible for almost 50 per cent of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Communities and Local Government has introduced measures in England and Wales to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings, including:

• introducing energy performance certificates (EPCs) for properties providing A-G efficiency ratings and recommendations for improvement
• requiring public buildings to display energy certificates (DECs)
• requiring inspections for air conditioning systems
• giving advice and guidance for boiler users

Since October 2008 all properties - homes, commercial and public buildings - when bought, sold, built or rented need an EPC. Larger public buildings also need to display an energy certificate.

This work is part of European legislation - the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive - which all member states must adopt.