The government has implemented art 6 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU) in England through a procurement policy note (PNN), effective from 5 June.
It requires “central government departments” in EU states to purchase highly energy-efficient products, services and buildings, as set out in annex III of the directive.
The PNN covers all central government departments including non-ministerial departments, executive agencies and some non-departmental public bodies.
When buying products or services and purchasing or renting buildings, these bodies must comply with specified energy-efficiency standards, such as labelling, and those listed in the Regulations on ecodesign and the Energy Star decision. Authorities do not have to buy the default product or service if it is not cost effective or impedes competition.
Purchasers can prioritise the overall energy efficiency of product packages over the efficiency of individual energy labelled products.