Energy performance certificate

What it means

An energy performance certificate places a building in an energy class according to how much energy it needs for heating, cooling, hot water, ventilation and lighting. Classes run from A0, a nearly zero-energy building, to G, the building with the highest consumption.

A certificate is required when a building is built, substantially renovated, sold or rented. Since 2021, new buildings must meet the nearly zero-energy standard, so the certificate is issued before occupancy approval and supports it.

It is valid for ten years unless the building changes significantly. A qualified expert issues it based on design calculations and a site visit, and the data are recorded in a central register. Unlike an energy audit, it assesses only the building, not production processes.

How it works in practice

When selling or letting, the owner must give the certificate to the buyer or tenant and state the energy class in the advertisement. In an office lease agreement, it is worth stating the class and an estimate of the energy costs the tenant will pay.

The class affects property value and access to green finance. Banks offer better mortgages and loans for buildings in higher classes, and during renovation the certificate helps prove improvement, for example when applying for an insulation grant.

For companies owning buildings, the certificate is also a data source for ESG reporting. Investors and tenants increasingly demand low-energy buildings, and buildings in low classes may lose value in future as European requirements tighten.

What to watch out for

A missing certificate on sale, letting or occupancy approval can lead to a fine. Cheap certificates issued without a site visit may contain wrong data and cause problems in an inspection, so an established expert is the better choice.

The class is based on standardised calculations, not actual consumption. Real energy costs depend on use, heating settings and the number of occupants, so a building in a higher class can have higher bills than expected if it is poorly operated.