An energy certificate is a public document containing data on the energy efficiency of a building or part of a building, along with recommendations for increasing energy efficiency. It is regulated in more detail by the Act on the Efficient Use of Energy (ZURE).
There are two types of energy certificates; the calculated energy certificate, issued for newly constructed buildings and newly constructed parts of buildings, existing residential buildings and apartments, and the measured energy certificate, issued for existing non-residential buildings or non-residential parts of buildings.
What information does the energy certificate contain?
The energy certificate includes data on the energy efficiency of the property and recommendations for energy efficiency improvements. It lists identification data of the building, together with the address, required heat for heating, supplied energy for the operation of technical building systems in the building, required primary energy, and CO2 emissions. Recommendations for cost-effective energy efficiency improvements include, among other things, thermal protection of the ceiling or walls, replacement of glazing or windows, and elimination of thermal bridges.
What is the purpose of the energy certificate?
The energy certificate is intended to better inform the potential buyer or tenant. The cost of energy is a key piece of information when choosing a property, and the energy certificate provides objective data about the required energy in the building. Recommendations for improving energy efficiency also benefit the current owner of the building, serving as a guide for potential future investments.
How long is the energy certificate valid?
The energy certificate is valid for ten years. It is possible to renew it before the end of this period, especially when investments have been made to increase the energy efficiency of the building. The property cannot have two or more valid energy certificates simultaneously; the new energy certificate invalidates the previous one.
When is an energy certificate mandatory?
An energy certificate is mandatory when selling or renting real estate for an extended period. It is also necessary to obtain it for all newly constructed buildings. For newly constructed buildings not sold or rented out after completion of construction, it is considered that the obligation to provide an energy certificate is fulfilled by a statement on the energy properties of the building, which is an integral part of the proof of the building’s reliability in accordance with regulations in the field of building construction.
When is an energy certificate not mandatory?
An energy certificate is not mandatory if the property is rented for a period of less than one year. An energy certificate is also not required if the apartment is rented out to the previous owner or user.
An energy certificate is not mandatory for all buildings. It is not required for the sale of unmaintained, abandoned, and dilapidated buildings, considered unsuitable for use or residence, for which the calculation of energy indicators is not possible, for buildings used for ritual purposes or religious activities, for industrial buildings and warehouses if energy is not used in them to ensure internal climate conditions, in non-residential agricultural buildings if energy is not used in them to ensure internal climate conditions, in simple and undemanding buildings, and in detached buildings with a total usable floor area of less than 50 m2.
Furthermore, certain sales procedures do not require an energy certificate, mainly when the real estate is sold in the execution process or within the bankruptcy process.
A property owner who does not intend to sell or rent out the property long-term does not need an energy certificate.
How to obtain an energy certificate?
The energy certificate is produced by an authorised expert with a license to produce energy certificates.
What are the penalties?
The owner of the building or individual part of the building is fined EUR 300 if, when selling or renting out the building or individual part of the building, the buyer or tenant does not submit an energy certificate at the latest before the conclusion of the contract.
Are you selling or renting out a property and not sure if you need an energy certificate?
For more information, visit our website or contact us: Phone: 00386-40-626-131, Email: tajnistvo@bazarealestate.com.
