What is an Energy Certificate and Why is it Important?

Why the Energy Certificate is Relevant

In times of rising energy costs and increasing climate protection requirements, the energy certificate has become an essential document. It provides information about the energy quality of a building and is mandatory when selling, renting, or constructing new buildings. For buyers and tenants, it offers transparency regarding potential energy costs, while owners can benefit from better marketing opportunities.

But what exactly is behind the energy certificate, what measures are available to improve energy efficiency, and how can owners benefit from funding programs?

What is an Energy Certificate?

The energy certificate is an official document that assesses the energy condition of a building. There are two types:

Consumption certificate: Based on the actual energy consumption over the past three years.

Demand certificate: A technical analysis of the building, independent of user behavior.

Important contents of the energy certificate:

Energy demand (in kWh/m² per year)

Energy efficiency class (scale from A+ to H, with A+ being very efficient and H being inefficient)

Recommendations for improving energy efficiency

Legal basis:

The energy certificate is regulated in the Building Energy Act (GEG) and is valid for ten years. It is mandatory when selling, renting, or undertaking major renovations.

Who needs the energy certificate?

Owners: The energy certificate facilitates the marketing of properties by making their energy quality transparent. Buildings with good energy efficiency often fetch higher prices.

Buyers and tenants: The energy certificate provides clarity about expected energy costs and modernization needs.

The environment: It promotes energy-efficient construction and renovations, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions.

Overview of Energy Efficiency Classes

The energy certificate categorizes buildings into efficiency classes:

A+ to B: Very efficient, often new constructions or extensively renovated buildings.

C to E: Average energy efficiency, typical for older buildings.

F to H: High energy demand, significant modernization needed.

A building with a good energy efficiency class is not only more environmentally friendly but also more attractive to investors and tenants.

Measures to Improve Energy Efficiency

To enhance the energy efficiency of a property, numerous measures are available:

Insulation:

Insulate walls and roofs to reduce heat loss.

Replace windows and switch to triple-glazed variants.

Modern Heating Technology:

Modernize heating systems, e.g., with heat pumps or condensing gas boilers.

Use smart thermostats and underfloor heating.

Use of Renewable Energies:

Install photovoltaic or solar thermal systems.

Use heat pumps for heating and cooling.

Efficient Lighting and Smart Home Technologies:

Use LED lighting.

Install automated control systems for heating and cooling.

Check Seals:

Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts and reduce heating costs.

Funding Programs and Grants

Many measures to improve energy efficiency are supported by government programs:

KfW Funding:

Low-interest loans and grants for energy-efficient renovations and new constructions.

Programs like the KfW Energy Efficiency Program or KfW Efficiency House promote insulation, renewable energies, and modern heating technology.

BAFA Funding:

Grants for heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and other sustainable heating systems.

Tax Incentives:

Costs for energy-efficient renovations can be deducted from taxes.

These funding programs help owners reduce investment costs in energy efficiency measures and save on energy costs in the long term.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Typical mistakes:

Using an outdated energy certificate.

Failing to consider modernization when creating the document.

Tips:

Have the energy certificate prepared in a timely manner.

Use renovation measures to improve the energy efficiency class.

Actively communicate the benefits of a good energy certificate when selling or renting.