TM44 air conditioning inspection reports are a legal requirement in the UK for systems 12kW and over and must be renewed every five years. These reports are part of efforts to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
New Reforms to the energy performance of building regime aim to support efforts by strengthening enforcement, improving data transparency through the air conditioning inspection report register, and encouraging more consistent inspections across commercial buildings.
Introduction: ACI Reports and the Energy Performance of Buildings Regime
Air conditioning systems play a key role in regulating the temperature, air quality and energy use in commercial buildings.
Air conditioning inspection reports (ACIRs) are a legal requirement in the UK under the TM44 air conditioning inspection regime.
At ACI Reports, we carry out professional air conditioning energy inspections to support our clients in maintaining compliance and improving building efficiency. With new changes proposed under the reforms to the energy performance of building regime, it is crucial to understand how these developments could affect your obligations.
Why is Reform to the Energy Performance of Buildings Regime Being Suggested?
The reforms to the energy performance of building regime are part of the UK’s strategy to update legislation and ensure it aligns with modern energy policies, in particular the government’s Net Zero objectives. These changes come from the Energy Act 2023, which sets out proposed improvements to building energy performance and enforcement.
The public consultation closed on 26 February 2025. The consultation has finished, and the reforms are not yet active. However, the government is moving forward with plans to implement them, with the next steps being focused on improving compliance and maximising energy efficiency across commercial buildings.
Issues with Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with TM44 requirements continues to undermine the effectiveness of air conditioning inspection reports, with many systems operating without valid inspections. Currently, fines are set at £300 per building for failure to complete a TM44 inspection and £200 for not producing a valid report within seven days, these penalties will be imposed weekly until compliant. As these amounts are often lower than the cost of an inspection, they have failed to incentivise compliance.
The proposed reforms to the energy performance of building regime suggest the introduction of tougher enforcement and a new £800 fine to improve compliance rates and encourage more consistent enforcement action.
Businesses must ensure their TM44 air conditioning inspection reports are current and lodged correctly.
Improved Energy Efficiency
The reforms to the energy performance of building regime include more than simply ensuring compliance they’re also a key opportunity to reduce energy use and costs. Data from recent consultations shows that implementing the full recommendations from a TM44 air conditioning inspection report could deliver energy savings of 30 - 40%.
Even small, low-cost changes such as adjusting system settings could result in 10 - 20% savings. Increasing uptake of air conditioning energy inspections helps operators cut operational costs while supporting Net Zero targets.
What Are the Proposed Changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings Regime?
The reforms to the energy performance of building regime include tougher enforcement of TM44 regulations, a potential increase in penalty charges, and an improved format for air conditioning inspection report documentation.
The goal is to ensure the inspection process actively contributes to energy savings, rather than being treated as a tick-box compliance exercise.
What Has Been the Response from Elmhurst, the UK’s Largest Provider of Energy Assessment training?
Elmhurst Energy has welcomed the proposals to the reforms to the energy performance of building regime. However, they have highlighted the need for better enforcement. They have stated that without stricter monitoring, even updated legislation may fall short. Their view is that increasing the visibility and authority of Trading Standards Officers (TSOs), and raising fines, could help the air conditioning inspection report register become a more reliable and widely used compliance tool.
What Happens Next?
With the consultation having closed on 26 February 2025, the next steps in the reforms to the energy performance of building regime include:
ü Analysing responses to identify key areas of agreement or disagreement
ü Providing feedback to participants on how their input may influence decisions
ü Using the findings to develop new policy or legislation, which will begin to impact the industry
To ensure your business is prepared for future reforms, it is important to check your compliance status.
At ACI Reports, we provide expert guidance and fully accredited air conditioning inspection report services to ensure your systems are compliant.
Contact our team today on 01695 550657 to arrange your TM44 assessment to ensure that your air conditioning systems are up to date and in line with the regulation.