Importance of energy efficiency certificate

Energy efficiency, and therefore also the energy performance certificate, is a key issue for every real estate agent and owner. This document not only plays a bureaucratic role, but also provides valuable information for buyers and sellers of Croatian real estate.

What is the energy efficiency certificate in Croatia?

The energy efficiency certificate in Croatia is an official document that assesses the energy efficiency of a building. It is drawn up by certified energy consultants and contains detailed information about the energy requirements and the energy class of a building. The document helps to better understand and optimize energy consumption and the associated costs. The energy performance certificate is valid for 10 years and contains general information about the building as a whole, such as the energy class, the validity period of the certificate, data on thermal systems, energy requirements of the building, data on any PV systems and proposed measures.

An energy performance certificate contains comprehensive data on the energy efficiency of a building. This includes:

• Energy audit of the building
• Calculations of the specific annual energy requirement for heating and cooling
• Information on primary energy and CO2 emissions
• Determination the energy class of the building

This information is not only important for owners but also for potential buyers or tenants who want to check the energy consumption of the building.

1. Energy classes and their meaning

The energy classes of a building range from A+ (very energy efficient) to G (less energy efficient). This classification is based on specific annual heat and energy demand values and the building’s emissions. A higher energy class means better energy efficiency and generally lower operating costs.

2. Preparation of the energy efficiency certificate

The process of creating an energy performance certificate comprise several steps:

1. Building inspection: Certified energy consultants carry out a detailed inspection of the building to record all relevant data.
2. Data analysis: The collected data is analyzed to calculate the specific energy demand of the building.
3. Reporting: Based on the analysis results, the energy performance certificate is created and the energy class of the building is determined.

3. Energy audit and improvement measures

An energy audit is an important part of creating the energy certificate. It includes an assessment of the thermal properties of the building envelope, the heating and cooling systems, the hot water supply and the ventilation and air conditioning systems. Based on the results of the audit, measures to improve energy efficiency can be proposed that are both economically viable and ecologically beneficial.

4. Legal obligations

Owners are legally obliged to present an energy performance certificate when they wish to sell or rent out a building. The energy performance certificate must be presented to the potential buyer or tenant to ensure transparency and enable an informed decision to be made.

Exceptions to the energy performance certificate requirement

There are some exceptions where an energy performance certificate is not required, such as:

• Buildings used for less than four months a year
• Free-standing buildings with a total usable area of less than 50 square meters
• Temporary buildings with a useful life of less than two years, industrial plants, workshops and agricultural buildings with low energy requirements
• Buildings for religious ceremonies or activities

New buildings vs. existing buildings

For new buildings, the energy performance certificate is drawn up on the basis of the planning data and construction work. For existing buildings, the process also includes a detailed energy audit. This audit takes into account both the current energy consumption and possible improvement measures

Legal obligations and exceptions

An energy performance certificate is required for almost all buildings that are sold, rented or leased. Exceptions apply to temporary buildings, religious facilities and buildings with low energy requirements. The owner must present the energy performance certificate before selling, renting or leasing and state the energy class in advertisements.

The energy performance certificate is an indispensable tool for assessing the energy efficiency of properties. It provides valuable information and contributes to transparency in the real estate market. Buyers and sellers alike benefit from the detailed data and the opportunity to better understand and optimize energy efficiency and the associated costs. Real estate agents should explain the importance of the energy performance certificate to their clients and support them in obtaining this important document.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the purpose of the energy performance certificate?

The energy performance certificate is used to assess and transparently present the energy efficiency of a building. It helps buyers and tenants to better assess the energy consumption and the associated costs of a property.

Who is obliged to have an energy performance certificate?

Owners of buildings that are to be sold or rented out are legally obliged to present an energy performance certificate. This applies to both residential and non-residential buildings.

Who is obliged to have an energy performance certificate?

The energy performance certificate contains detailed information about a building’s energy requirements, energy class, CO2 emissions and the efficiency of its energy systems. It also suggests measures to improve energy efficiency.

How long is an energy certificate valid for?

An energy certificate is generally valid for ten years. After that, it must be renewed in order to continue to provide valid and up-to-date information on the energy efficiency of the building.

What are the advantages of a good energy class?

A good energy class leads to lower operating costs and is more environmentally friendly. It can also increase the value of the property and facilitate the sales process.

Designed by Freepik