Actual and calculated energy performance of residential property in Malta

The scope of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC and 2010/31/EC) is the reduction of energy use in buildings in the EU.   A principal aspect of the directive is the calculation of an energy certificate for new and existing property. This certificate is intended to provide a measure of the energy efficiency of a building.    
This research investigates the accuracy of the current methodology used to establish the energy performance of buildings in Malta, where the load profile for energy demand is significantly different to Northern and Central Europe, with a much lower heating load in winter, and a requirement for cooling in summer. 
The analysis is carried out by a comparison between the official calculation procedure, the use of a dynamic hourly analysis program, and the use of metered data for a case study.