Energy Performance Certificate (ΠΕΑ) is one of the mandatory requirements set by the European Directive on Energy Performance of Buildings (2002/91/EC). The Energy Performance Certificate is a part of a sophisticated platform to establish insights on buildings energy performance and mitigate the energy consumption (lower carbon footprint) on new structures by quantifying specific minimum requirements and standards for eco-friendly buildings. The building energy performance certificate indicates the energy consumption index on a 9 grade scale from A+ to H.
According to a scientific article , 650,000 Energy Performance Certificate-s had been issued in Greece by August 2015. Approximately 15% of them were for single-family houses and around 85% for multi-family houses (buildings or building units). Almost 34% of the residential buildings were ranked at the lowest energy class-G, while only 3% were ranked in energy class-B or higher. According to the article findings the mean estimated value for primary energy consumption is 261.6kWh/m2 and the average CO2 emissions, 70.3 kg/m2. To acquire lower energy consumption, the window replacement is the most popular suggestion, followed by the installation of solar collectors for domestic hot water or even heating as well as structure shell insulation.
WHO NEEDS AN EPC?
Issuing of energy performance certificate is a prerequisite for the property transfer or rental of buildings and has become mandatory since 9.1.2011. To prepare a Deed of Conveyance for any real property transaction Deed, the notaries public or solicitors are obliged by law to cite the EPC’s reference number in the real estate contract and submit an official copy of that document to the authorities.
The Energy Performance Certificate is also necessary to be issued for most rental agreements as the tax office services will no longer officially certify a rental agreement if a valid Energy Performance Certificate has not been submitted. Moreover, the Energy Performance Certificate issuance is a mandatory prerequisite for property owners wishing to apply for funding under the “Energy Efficiency at Household Buildings Program”.
According to the Ministry of Energy late Law provision issued in 16/02/2016, and Law 4122 / 2013the following building categories are excluded from the Energy Performance Certificate issuance :
Energy Performance Certificates are issued by officially certified Energy Inspectors, appointed from the Greek Ministry of Environment. ARENCORES has certified inspectors/engineers that conduct an on-site routine energy inspection of your building along with the services as heating, hot water and cooling. After the inspection, the auditor should be able to determine the energy consumption of the building, identify potential losses, and recommend cost-effective practices to improve or optimize the energy efficiency of the structure. The most common intervention suggestions are: replacing outdated windows/doors, upgrading heating and hot water supply systems, installing shading systems and heat insulation on exterior walls, terraces and roofs. However, owners do not necessarily have to act upon these suggestions, unless they upgrade the energy performance of their property. Technical information of the inspected property, including all necessary documentation (building permits when issued after March 14 1983 , national land registry, ownership declaration codes and the building’s construction completed year) are submitted to the system database from which Energy Performance Certificate is official issued. The Energy Performance Certificate is identified by a unique authentication number and is valid for ten years from the date of the building classification and does not require updating, regardless of how many times it is leased. In the event that a required by law Energy Performance Certificate is not issued, there is a fine due between 1000,00 -10,000.00€. In cases that illegal/non-declared built space is inspected, legalizing documents are required. In the event of a property legalization, the property owner can benefit up to 50% of the total penalty fine if that amount is invested in upgrading the inspected property’s energy efficiency. The cost of obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate significantly varies depending upon the type, location and size of the property.
WHAT DOES AN ENERGY PERFORMANCE INSPECTION INVOLVE?
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The following fees apply to residential properties:
The following fees apply to commercial properties:
WHICH DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE?