In an increasingly regulated and demanding real estate market, energy efficiency has become a key factor for owners, buyers, and tenants. Current regulations establish the mandatory energy efficiency certificate (EEC) for both homes and offices and commercial premises in sales or rentals. Furthermore, new European guidelines will require improvements in the energy rating of properties in the coming years.
What is the energy efficiency certificate?
The energy efficiency certificate (EEC) is a mandatory official document that seeks to provide objective information on a building's energy efficiency and CO2 emissions. This information allows for comparison with other properties in the area, encouraging the promotion of more energy-efficient buildings.
The rating is represented on a letter scale from A (highest efficiency) to G (lowest efficiency). This certificate has been mandatory in Spain since 2013 and must be issued by a specialized technician.
When is the energy certificate mandatory?
Royal Decree 390/2021, of June 1, which approves the basic procedure for certifying the energy efficiency of buildings, establishes that this certificate is mandatory in the following cases:
- Sale of the property: The owner must include the energy rating in the advertisement and deliver the certificate to the buyer, as it is usually notarized in the deed of sale.
- Rental of the property: It must be presented to the tenants before formalizing the contract, and it is recommended that the document be attached to the same.
- New-build buildings: Requirement to obtain a first occupancy permit.
- Major home renovations: An energy efficiency certificate is required for renovations or extensions that:
- Replace or renew thermal installations requiring a technical project (Royal Decree 1027/2007).
- Affect more than 25% of the building's thermal envelope.
- Increase the built surface area or volume by 10% or more if the extension exceeds 50 m².
- Large retail stores: All premises within shopping centers with more than 500 m² They must have energy certification.
- Industrial warehouses with offices: If the main use is administrative, they require certification.
Cases in which it is NOT mandatory
- Housing used for less than 4 months per year.
- Temporary buildings with an expected use period of two years or less.
- Unconditioned premises (without electrical installations or air conditioning).
- Isolated buildings of less than 50 m².
- Industrial warehouses used exclusively for storage or production.
- Buildings in a state of ruin or demolition.
How do I obtain the certificate? Energy?
The process for obtaining an energy certificate is similar for homes, offices, and commercial premises. Follow these steps:
- Certificate application: The property owner is responsible for requesting the energy efficiency certification from a qualified technician.
- Technician visit: The specialized technician inspects the property to collect data on the building's energy characteristics, such as the thermal envelope, technical installations, and comfort conditions.among others.
- Energy rating calculation: Using a calculation tool approved by the Administration, the technician models the property to determine its energy rating.
- Official registration: The certificate must be registered with the corresponding body in the autonomous community. In some cases, this registration may involve the payment of administrative fees.
- Issuance of the certificate: Once issued, the certificate includes a detailed report with the property's energy rating and specific recommendations for improving its efficiency.
Validity
The energy efficiency certificate will have a maximum validity of ten years, except when the energy rating is G, when it will be valid for a maximum of five years.
How much does an energy certificate cost?
It costs approximately €60 to €250 for homes, depending on the size and location of the property.
New European regulations: how will they affect the real estate market?
It is expected that all homes, offices, and commercial premises for sale or rent must have a minimum energy rating of E.
This means that many properties will need renovations to remain profitable on the market. The most common improvements include:
- Improving the building envelope by incorporating thermal insulation into facades or replacing windows with thermally broken frames and low-e glass.
- Modernizing heating and cooling systems with high-performance equipment.
- Implementing renewable energy systems such as solar photovoltaic energy to support the home's electricity consumption.
Benefits of improving energy efficiency before selling or renting
- Increased property value: Properties with better energy efficiency are sold and rented for up to 10% more in some cases.
- Reduced operating costs: Lower energy consumption means savings on air conditioning and lighting.
- Regulatory compliance: Avoid penalties and facilitate the sale or rental of the building. property.
- Greater comfort and productivity: In offices and retail spaces, better air quality and regulated temperatures improve employee productivity.
How can Almar Consulting help you?
At Almar Consulting, we advise you throughout the entire energy certification process, from inspection to certificate registration. We also help you identify the best strategies to improve the energy efficiency of your property, ensuring regulatory compliance.
