The Energy Performance Buildings Directive (EPBD) has been designed in response to the Kyoto protocol . It provides information on how energy assessments should be carried out, how often and information on what needs to be provided to complete an energy assessment. It describes the requirements for the various types of energy certificates Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Display Energy Certificates (DECs).
The type of certificate required and assessment methodology necessary depends on the building type. The EPBD seperates building types into domestic and non-domestic buildings, then again in to new and existing buildings.
The articles from the EPBD are listed below:
| Article 1 | Objectives |
| Article 2 | Definitions |
| Article 3 | Adopt a Methodology |
| Article 4 | Setting of Energy Performance Requirements |
| Article 5 | New Buildings |
| Article 6 | Existing Buildings |
| Article 7 | Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) |
| Article 8 | Inspection of Boilers |
| Article 9 | Inspection of Air Conditioning |
| Article 10 | Independent Experts |
| Article 11 | Review |
| Article 12 | Information |
| Article 13 | Adaptation of the Framework |
| Article 14 | Committee |
| Article 15 | Transposition |
| Article 16 | Entry into Force |
| Article 17 | Addressees |