What is an energy performance certificate?
Energy performance certificates is a document that generates the label indicating the energy efficiency of that entity.
In other words, energy performance certificates try to develop and give an assessment through knowledge of:
- The façade, floor and roof system.
- The type of windows and openings.
- The hot and sanitary water equipment.
- Heating and cooling equipment.
- Other…
These certificates must be carried out both for dwellings or complete buildings and for commercial premises or buildings when these are to be sold or rented. In any case, it would always be necessary to carry out this certificate so that the owner is aware of the consumption and, therefore, the monthly economic cost for the owner.
Energy efficiency certificates help us to know the energy status of the entity, in order to know if improvements are necessary to reduce the economic cost.
Do you need an energy performance certificate?
If I have premises that do not have hot water or air conditioning, do I need an energy efficiency certificate to sell it?
If the premises do not have this type of installation, the energy efficiency certificate cannot be generated, as the consumption does not affect energy consumption, but you do have to inform the Generalitat, which generates a document explaining the energy situation of the premises. This document is necessary to be able to continue with the sale or rental, and must be carried out by a competent technician.
If I have a house in the country where I do not live and I want to sell it, do I have to make the energy efficiency certificate?
Yes, the energy efficiency certificate must be done in any case.
Frequently Asked Questions about Energy Efficiency Certificates in Barcelona
Why does Vallcorba Enginyers help you with energy efficiency certificates?
Vallcorba Enginyers is a firm made up of architects and engineers. This allows for a very comprehensive energy efficiency certificate, as the architectural knowledge is complemented by engineering expertise in installations. This way, the energy efficiency certificate can be fully developed.
Additionally, once the energy efficiency certificate has been issued, Vallcorba Enginyers advises the client on possible improvements to make in the building to improve the property’s energy consumption.
Is it mandatory to have an energy efficiency certificate?
Energy efficiency certificates are mandatory whenever a property is rented or sold. The purpose of requiring this certificate for selling or renting is to inform the new tenants about the energy consumption status of the property.
On the other hand, although it is not mandatory to obtain the energy efficiency certificate if the property is not being sold or rented, it is important to have this document so that the property owner is aware of the property’s energy status and can assess whether any improvements can be made to help reduce monthly consumption costs.
How does the process for obtaining the energy efficiency certificate work?
When you want to sell or rent, or simply if you want to obtain the energy efficiency certificate, you need to contact a qualified technician—an architect, quantity surveyor, or engineer—to provide a quotation for the service.
Once the quotation is accepted, the technician must visit the property to collect data, after which the Energy Efficiency Certificate and improvement reports are generated. The energy efficiency certificate is then registered with the Generalitat, and within a week to 10 days, the resolution is issued along with the energy efficiency label.
The technician delivers the energy efficiency label, the report, and the improvement proposals to the property owner.
Can Vallcorba Enginyers help me identify improvements to reduce consumption?
Yes, we conduct a study of the improvements to be made and their associated costs so that the client can choose the most suitable option.
If I don’t need the energy efficiency certificate, can Vallcorba Enginyers still conduct a separate energy study to make consumption improvements?
Yes, a detailed study of the consumption improvements you want to make can always be carried out.
If I want to sell an entire building, do I need to obtain an energy efficiency certificate for each apartment?
No, it is not necessary; the certificate can be issued for the entire building.
Is the energy efficiency certificate required throughout the entire country?
Yes, the entire country follows the same regulations; it is a law aimed at improving construction standards nationwide.
Is it mandatory to carry out the improvements suggested in the energy efficiency certificate?
No, it is not mandatory. The certificate is intended to provide knowledge about the property’s energy situation and suggest possible improvements. However, while making these improvements is not mandatory, it is advisable.