Energy rating system 'a shambles'

Only part of the Scottish Parliament has gained a certificate

The EU system for rating the energy efficiency of public buildings has been labelled "a shambles" after the Scottish Parliament failed to comply.

All public buildings in the UK were supposed to have energy efficiency certificates on display from 4 January.

But the Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE) said few buildings had met the standards.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Parliament said it was hoped it would gain a full certificate within weeks.

The building was supposed to have an energy efficiency certificate with a B plus rating, but it is only displaying a certificate for part of the building - which is rated B.

ACE said few council buildings, libraries, schools, colleges and hospitals had met the deadline.

A spokesman said public authorities had known about the new EU directive since 2002 but have only got around to the paperwork in the past few months.

The UK government said it was working to produce Energy Performance Certificates for the main buildings in its estate during 2009.