Who needs an energy certificate?

Who needs an energy performance certificate?

The energy performance certificate is an indispensable tool for making the energy consumption of buildings transparent. In Germany, it is mandatory for almost all residential and commercial buildings if they are rented, sold or leased. The energy performance certificate assesses the energy efficiency of a building and shows how much energy a building requires on average for heating, hot water and ventilation. The aim is to make the energy requirement comparable and at the same time provide impetus for renovation measures. There are two versions of the energy certificate. The consumption certificate is based on measured energy consumption data from the last three years. It is cost-effective and ideal for buildings with available consumption data. The demand certificate, on the other hand, calculates the energy requirement taking into account the building fabric and technical systems, which makes it more precise as it is independent of user behavior.

An energy certificate is required for residential buildings that are sold, rented or leased. Exceptions apply to listed buildings and small buildings with less than 50 square meters of floor space. The energy performance certificate provides information such as the type of certificate (consumption or demand certificate), the year of construction and heating system of the building, the primary energy demand or energy consumption, the energy efficiency classes from A+ (very efficient) to H (less efficient) as well as suggestions for energy-related improvements. Interested parties can thus easily assess the energy efficiency and estimated operating costs. Owners receive specific recommendations for renovations and at the same time meet legal requirements, which means they avoid fines.

Energy certificates may only be issued by licensed professionals such as architects, engineers or energy consultants. The costs vary depending on the type of certificate and the complexity of the building. Consumption certificates cost around 50 to 100 euros, while demand certificates start at around 300 euros. The energy performance certificate promotes energy-efficient construction and renovation, creates transparency for potential buyers and tenants and provides owners with valuable information on how to optimize their properties. When used correctly, both the environment and finances benefit.