2008
(1/05/2008) AXA announces partnership with BRE and Lexicon Energy
AXA announces today its partnership with BRE and Lexicon Energy for the provision of energy certificate services.
The EU ‘Energy Performance of Buildings Directive’ has made it a legal requirement for commercial buildings to have Energy Performance Certificates. The UK government has already established an implementation timetable, of which the first phase commenced on April 6. To help property owners comply with this legislation, AXA has teamed up with BRE and Lexicon Energy to provide an extensive network of fully accredited assessors for the provision of energy certificate services.
BRE’s training schemes are highly regarded and its Energy Assessor Accreditation Scheme is one of only three government approved schemes currently registering assessors to produce EPCs in the commercial buildings sector. BRE scheme members are required to operate to best practice professional standards and will have their work regularly audited.
Lexicon Energy will provide a nationwide panel of BRE accredited assessors to offer customers an easy and cost effective way to get an assessment. Property owners can book an assessment at www.lexiconenergy.co.uk and can expect confirmation of an appointment within 24 hours.
Doug Barnett, Head of Customer Risk Management at AXA, commented: "I’m very pleased that AXA, BRE and Lexicon Energy have joined forces to provide our customers with this comprehensive and highly qualified service.
"The ‘Energy Performance of Buildings Directive’ is an important piece of legislation which should not be taken lightly. Without a certificate, property owners and agents will not be able to sell or lease and can be fined if they try to do so. For these reasons, it's important for assessment to be done correctly and in time."
Andy Butterfield, BRE Accreditation Scheme Manager, commented: "We're very pleased that AXA has chosen BRE as their accreditation partner. This initiative will assist in providing a quality workstream for BRE’s Accreditation Scheme members. The energy performance rating of buildings will no doubt have an impact on property values over time. Building owners need the assurance that the Energy Performance Certificates they commission are prepared to the highest standards and that the recommendations made for improving their building’s energy performance can be relied on."
Mike Maddin, Group Chief Executive of Lexicon Group of Companies, commented: "This partnership is a testament to our efficient management and information systems. There are thousands of buildings in the UK which need EPCs and our national panel and in house capability will ensure that AXA’s customers are serviced quickly and cost effectively."
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Enquiries
Miranda Bellord AXA Insurance press office +44 020 7977 5164
Allyson Da-anoy AXA Insurance press office +44 020 7369 3935
Notes to Editors:
Doug Barnett will be available to discuss this partnership during the 2008 Biba Conference. AXA is located at stand D2 in the SECC.
Energy Performance Certificate
An Energy Performance Certificate is a document which states the energy efficiency of a building based on the standardised way that the building is used. Carbon dioxide (CO2) ratings are shown in bandings from A to G, with A being the least polluting. The main focus of the EPC is the amount of CO2 that is estimated to be released from the building. The performance of the building is benchmarked against current building standards and recommended cost effective improvements. EPCs are now required for all new buildings constructed after 1 May 2007. However, over the next year existing buildings will also require an Energy Performance Certificate. Buildings when constructed, sold or rented out, including homes, public sector buildings and business premises will require an EPC.
April 6 2008 |
EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of non-dwellings with a floor area over 10,000 m2. |
1 July 2008 |
EPCs required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings with a floor area over 2,500 m2. |
1 October 2008 |
EPCs required on the sale or rent of all remaining dwellings |
4 January 2009
|
First inspection of all existing air-conditioning systems over 250 kW must have occurred by this date*. |
4 January 2011 |
First inspection of all remaining air-conditioning systems over 12 kW must have occurred by this date*. |
About AXA
AXA UK is a part of the AXA Group. AXA Group is a worldwide leader in Financial Protection. AXA’s operations are diverse geographically, with major operations in Western Europe, North America and the Asia/Pacific area. For full year 2006, IFRS revenues amounted to €79 billion and IFRS underlying earnings amounted to €4,010 million.
The AXA ordinary share is listed and trades under the symbol AXA on the Paris Stock Exchange. The AXA American Depository Share is also listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol AXA.
Our previous company performance is not a guide to how we may perform in the future.
Any opinions expressed in this media communication are made as at the date of this publication but are subject to change without notice.
About BRE
The BRE Trust Companies including Building Research Establishment Limited, and BRE Global Ltd, are wholly owned subsidiary companies of the BRE Trust. This ownership structure enables The BRE Group companies to be held as a national asset on behalf of the construction industry and its clients, independent of specific commercial interests, and protects BRE’s impartiality and objectivity in research and advice.
The BRE Trust Companies mission is to build a better world and our vision is our unmistakable imprint on a highly regarded and sustainable built environment.
About Lexicon Energy
Lexicon Energy is part of the Lexicon Group which includes a nationwide residential surveying business (Lexicon Surveying Services), a vibrant Commercial Surveying division, an estate agency chain and a substantial nationwide financial services business.
We have the presence, expertise and working practices in the residential market and will be a leading player in the provision of Domestic Energy Reports as well as Home Condition reports. Already we carry out thousands of Valuation and survey reports for all the high street lenders month in and month out. Many of our surveyors have been providing SAP reports for clients such as the Woolwich for a number of years.