The energy performance certificate is designed to show at a glance whether a house consumes a lot or a little energy. As with electrical appliances, real estate advertisements must therefore always include a consumption indicator. Red signifies poor energy efficiency, green good. But that's not all. The legislator has clearly defined what other information must be provided and also distinguishes between two different energy performance certificates: the consumption-based certificate and the so-called demand-based certificate. This is because, for example, no consumption data is yet available for a new building. Nevertheless, the building needs a certificate before it can be marketed. The calculation should absolutely be carried out by a professional. Anyone who makes mistakes with the energy performance certificate or falls for cheap, inaccurate offers from the internet risks hefty fines. Every property owner is obligated to provide the energy performance data of their property when marketing it. This includes all advertisements online or in print media, as well as the property listing. An energy performance certificate must be presented at the latest during property viewings.
Why must homeowners present their energy performance certificate to potential buyers?
This is stipulated by law. The information in the energy performance certificate provides potential buyers or tenants with information about expected energy costs.
What is the difference between an energy performance certificate based on calculated energy demand and one based on actual energy consumption?
Here's what the experts say: "The two types of energy performance certificates differ significantly. The energy performance certificate based on calculated energy demand provides a high degree of information about the building's energy efficiency, as it takes into account the building structure and building services engineering. The energy consumption certificate based on actual energy consumption only reflects the energy consumption of the building or its occupants over the last three years. Unfortunately, it's usually impossible to draw conclusions about one's own consumption from this; for example, a single, frugal person heats a house completely differently than a family who likes it warm," says Dr. Michael Herma, Managing Director of the German Association for Building Technology (VdZ).
The greener, the better
If the energy performance certificate is in the "green zone," it means that little energy is needed for heating and hot water. "With a final energy demand of 75 kWh/(m²a) or more, the building enters the green zone, meaning that it meets the standards of the 2014 Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV). From 50 kWh/(m²a), the building meets the requirements of the 2016 Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV), for example, KfW 55 or KfW 70 houses," explains energy expert Dr. Michael Herma.
Get advice
Those seeking an energy performance certificate are often overwhelmed. The internet is flooded with cheap offers, but these aren't always of good quality. We therefore recommend that you don't try to save money in the wrong place and seek advice from a real estate agent. With years of experience, a real estate expert knows who to trust when issuing certificates and which type of certificate is best suited for your property.
Who can issue an energy performance certificate?
First, it depends on the type of building. A distinction is made between residential and non-residential buildings. According to the German Property Federation (IVD), only qualified individuals are authorized to issue energy performance certificates. For new buildings, the certificate is issued by the architect or civil engineer. This certificate must be presented to the building authority upon request. Architects or civil engineers can also issue energy performance certificates for existing buildings. The more affordable consumption-based certificates can also be prepared by a heating cost accounting company, based on actual consumption data.
Energy performance certificates don't all cost the same
Energy performance certificates based on calculated energy demand can cost up to €300, as they are more complex to issue and require an on-site assessment by a qualified professional. Energy performance certificates based on actual energy consumption are generally no more expensive than €100 per building. Online, it is now possible to obtain energy performance certificates at significantly lower costs; only the homeowner's information is required. However, we advise you to approach this method of obtaining a certificate with caution.
What mandatory information must be provided in advertisements for new energy performance certificates (issued after May 1, 2014)?
1.) Type of energy performance certificate (demand or consumption)
2.) the final energy demand or final energy consumption mentioned therein
3.) the main energy source for heating residential buildings
4.) For residential buildings, the year of construction stated in the energy performance certificate
5.) and the energy efficiency class for non-residential buildings stated in the energy certificate
6.) The final energy consumption for heat and electricity must be shown separately.
Do you have questions about creating an energy performance certificate? Contact us now. We'd be happy to advise you.
Photo: JFsPic