Understanding energy certificates — more than just a document

Importance of the energy certificate

In a world where sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important, the energy certificate plays a central role. This blog post highlights the importance of the energy certificate and explains how it helps you understand the energy consumption and efficiency of real estate. With precise information about the energy efficiency of buildings, the energy certificate enables well-founded decision-making, whether when buying, renting or renovating real estate.

What is an energy certificate?

An energy certificate is an important document that assesses the energy efficiency of a building. Energy efficiency refers to the extent to which a building minimizes energy consumption while effectively using the energy required for heating, cooling and other functions. This certificate is required when selling, renting or building real estate in order to provide potential buyers or tenants with important information about the energy consumption and energy efficiency of the building. Energy certificates categorize buildings from A (very efficient) to H (not efficient) and include details on energy consumption and potential savings.

The energy efficiency classes in Germany are specifically tailored to the energy consumption of buildings and are measured in kilowatt hours per square meter and year (kWh/ (m²a)).

Here you can find detailed energy efficiency classes for buildings in Germany, based on annual energy consumption per square meter (kWh/ (m²a)):

• A+: Up to 30 kWh/ (m²a)
• A: 30-50 kWh/ (m²a)
• B: 50-75 kWh/ (m²a)
• C: 75-100 kWh/ (m²a)
• D: 100-130 kWh/ (m²a)
• E: 130-160 kWh/ (m²a)
• F: 160-200 kWh/ (m²a)
• G: 200-250 kWh/ (m²a)
• H: Over 250 kWh/ (m²a)

Transparency and informational value of the energy certificate

The energy certificate is not only an essential source of information for real estate transactions, but also helps owners to identify which energy renovations are necessary to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. These certificates contribute to transparency of energy efficiency and potential energy consumption by providing detailed information about the current performance of the building. They therefore help to better estimate future energy costs. Even though factors such as weather conditions or individual user behavior can influence these forecasts, this transparency is important because it enables owners to make well-founded decisions about potential investments and improvements. Even though the confrontation with less efficient assessments may initially be perceived as negative, it still provides a valuable basis for future optimization and cost savings.

Statutory regulations and obligations

The energy certificate is always subject to the legal requirements in force at the time it is issued. Since October 2020, the Building Energy Act has (GEG), which was significantly amended in January 2024. The new version of the GEG requires that newly installed heating systems in new buildings and in existing buildings must obtain at least 65 percent of their energy from renewable sources from 2024 in order to promote the transition to more environmentally friendly energy sources.

The different types of energy certificates

Consumption certificate and requirement certificate

There are two main types of energy certificates that play an important role in evaluating the energy efficiency of buildings:

1. Consumption certificate: This certificate is based on actual energy consumption recorded over the last three years. It is easier and less expensive to create because it is based on existing consumption data. The consumption certificate reflects the energy efficiency of the building, taking user behavior into account, which means that the results may vary depending on the residents' living and heating habits.
2. Requirement certificate: The requirement certificate provides a detailed analysis based on the building fabric and technical facilities of the building. It is created through a comprehensive examination of the building envelope, the heating system and the insulation and shows the theoretical energy efficiency of the building regardless of user behavior. This certificate is particularly useful for planning renovations, as it shows precise weak points in the building's energy concept. Specific requirements and documentation are required to create a requirement certificate:
   1. Exhibitor qualification: The card must be issued by qualified experts such as energy consultants, architects or civil engineers are created. These experts are specially trained to be able to assess the energy efficiency of buildings.
   2. Technical documentation: Detailed information about the building fabric is required for construction. This includes building plans, information on insulation and insulation, the type of windows and doors, and the building materials used.
   3. On-site inspection: As a rule, a physical inspection of the property is necessary to accurately record all relevant data on energy efficiency. During this inspection, the building envelope, the heating system and other relevant aspects are examined.
   4. Data on heating and energy consumption systems: In addition to the structure of the building, details of the existing heating and energy consumption systems are also required in order to be able to correctly calculate the theoretical energy requirement.

Energy certificate obligation

Since 2009, the energy certificate has been required by law in Germany. This obligation applies to owners, who want to sell, rent out or comprehensively renovate their real estate. The regulation, which was originally introduced with the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV), is now enshrined in the Building Energy Act (GEG) of 2020. The aim of the regulation is to increase transparency about the energy consumption of buildings and to create incentives for energy improvements. When inspecting the property, owners must present a valid energy certificate, which not only shows the energy status of the building, but also serves as a decision-making aid for potential investments in energy efficiency. The costs of issuing the energy certificate are always borne by the current owner.

The cost of a requirement card ordered online is around €100. An on-site inspection by an energy consultant, which enables a more detailed assessment, can cost between 300 and 500€. The consumption certificate is significantly cheaper because it is based on existing consumption data and requires less effort.

What information does the energy certificate contain and how long is it valid?

Content and validity of the energy certificate

The energy certificate provides comprehensive information on the energy efficiency of a building. This includes:

• energy efficiency class: From A+ (very efficient) to H (less efficient).
• energy consumption: Detailed information about the annual energy consumption or energy requirement of the building.
• primary energy source: Information about which energy source (e.g. gas, oil, district heating) is being used.
• Year of construction of the building and heating system: Important data that has an impact on energy efficiency.
• Recommendations for energy-efficient renovations: Suggestions to improve energy efficiency.
• Exhibitor details: Who created and signed the identity card.

The energy certificate is valid for a maximum of 10 years due to technological advances in building insulation and ever stricter energy efficiency regulations for residential buildings. In addition, the card is no longer valid after extensive renovations or renovations.

The term “extensive renovations” is specifically defined as part of the energy certificate regulations. Renovations involving more than 10% of the surface of a component of the building, such as the façade, roof or floor ceiling, are considered extensive. Such measures then also require energy-related renovation measures in order to comply with the requirements of the Building Energy Act (GEG). This may include the installation of a new heating system, particularly if this involves a significant improvement in the building's energy efficiency. The replacement of windows or the installation of a heat pump may also be covered by these regulations, provided that they are part of a major renovation measure that meets the above criteria.

Relevance of the energy certificate for the heat pump

Importance of the energy certificate for heating systems

An energy certificate is not only a legally required document, but also a helpful tool for planning and optimising heating systems, in particular heat pumps. This is because the energy certificate contains detailed information about the energy efficiency and condition of the building envelope and the existing heating systems. These parameters are crucial for the correct selection and sizing of heat pumps, as they provide information about the expected energy efficiency and long-term savings. This makes the energy certificate an indispensable tool for evaluating and improving a building's heating infrastructure.

Preparation of consumption and demand-oriented energy certificates available soon with autarc

It will soon be possible not only to calculate the heating load with the autarc software, but also to create and manage energy certificates directly. This new feature will enable you to easily enter all required data and generate energy certificates that meet the latest regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

The energy certificate is a crucial tool for making the energy efficiency of a building transparent and giving both owners and tenants important insights into energy consumption and potential savings opportunities. With the upcoming integration of the autarc software into the energy certificate creation process, it will be easier than ever to not only calculate the heating load precisely, but also to create energy certificates that meet current legal requirements. This enables an even more accurate evaluation and optimization of buildings in terms of their energy efficiency, which both promotes environmental protection and provides long-term cost savings for users. In an increasingly energy-conscious society, the energy certificate is therefore becoming an indispensable part of real estate management and building renovation.

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*Image source: Canvas.

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