Building energy performance certificate – who needs it and when?
An energy performance certificate is a document that specifies the building's energy needs for its use. It includes the energy needed for heating, ventilation, hot water preparation and cooling. In the case of non-residential buildings, the certificate also includes lighting. The obligation to have an energy performance certificate results from European law and its aim is to promote the energy efficiency of buildings.
When is an energy performance certificate required?
An energy performance certificate is required in many situations, especially when selling or renting a property. The building owner must transfer the certificate to the new buyer or tenant when the property is sold or rented. This applies to both buildings and parts of buildings, such as apartments or commercial premises.
This obligation exists on the basis of the Act on the energy performance of buildings of August 29, 2014. In the case of public buildings with a usable area exceeding 250 m², the certificate must be placed in a visible place if the building is used by public administration bodies.
Additionally, investors are obliged to attach an energy performance certificate to the notice of completion of construction or to the application for a building use permit. The exception are single-family houses with an area of up to 70 m², built for their own residential purposes. This obligation entered into force on April 28, 2023.
Who orders the preparation of the certificate?
The issuance of the certificate is commissioned by:
- owner or manager of the building (in case of sale or rental),
- a person who has a cooperative ownership right to the premises (in the event of sale or rental of this right),
- investor (in the event of completion of building construction or obtaining an occupancy permit).
It is worth remembering that the buyer or tenant cannot waive the right to receive the certificate, and the fact of its transfer is recorded in the notarial deed. Failure to provide the certificate results in the notary being instructed on the need to obtain it.
What are the benefits of having an energy performance certificate?
An energy performance certificate has many benefits. First of all, it allows you to determine the energy efficiency of the building, which directly affects the costs of maintaining the property. The information contained in the certificate helps the owner, tenant or user estimate the annual costs related to energy consumption, and also allows to identify areas where savings are possible.
Additionally, having a certificate may affect the value of the property - buildings with better energy performance are more attractive to potential buyers who increasingly pay attention to energy efficiency and maintenance costs.
In what form is the certificate provided?
The energy performance certificate may be provided in paper or electronic form. In both cases, the document must bear the number assigned in the central register of energy performance of buildings and the signature of an authorized person. In the case of the electronic version, an electronic signature is required.
Summary
A building energy performance certificate is an essential document when selling or renting real estate, as well as when completing the construction of a new facility. Having this certificate not only meets legal requirements, but also allows for better management of energy costs and increasing the value of the building. This is an important element in the pursuit of more ecological and effective construction.
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