What is an energy certificate?
The energy certificate is a proof of the determination of the building's energy needs. It states the amount of energy needed for heating and hot water preparation, for cooling and ventilation, as well as for lighting. It is developed according to normative rules. As part of the certification, buildings are classified into energy classes on a scale from A to G.
What is it for?
The classification of buildings into energy classes can help owners as well as prospective property buyers to compare whether they pay, or will pay, more or less for energy in a particular building compared to another similar one. Based on this, they can decide how much they are willing to invest. Certificates must also include a recommended set of measures on how to improve the energy efficiency of the building. Energy assessment is part of the project documentation for building permits.
Isn't it just unnecessary formality?
The information provided in the certificate can be useful only if the analysis on which the certification is based is conducted thoroughly. Certification can affect the price of buildings if its results are confirmed in practical operation as well. Ideally, it could ensure that new, more economical buildings are built, and that owners of significantly renovated buildings also pay attention to reducing energy consumption.
How many energy certificates for buildings have already been issued?
From 2010 to November 2012, over 30,800 building certificates were issued. More than 22,000 concerned new buildings, the majority of which belong to energy class B. Only about 1,000 new buildings met the criteria for class A. Out of 7,300 significantly renovated buildings with an energy certificate, over 3,700 reached class B. One thousand fewer renovated buildings have class C. Only 53 of them reached energy class A. The list of buildings with an energy certificate is available on the website www.inforeg.sk.
Who can perform energy certification of buildings?
Anyone can obtain professional qualification for performing energy certification of buildings, provided they have three years of experience in design and pass a professional competency exam. There are 350 professional qualifications issued for four energy consumption points in a building. The procedure for performing certification is determined by Act No. 555/2005 Coll. on Energy Performance of Buildings, as amended by Act No. 300/2012 Coll. Details on calculating energy performance, as well as templates for energy certificates and labels, are provided in the Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional Development of the Slovak Republic Decree No. 364/2012 Coll. The list of professionally qualified persons who can perform certification is available on the Slovak Chamber of Civil Engineers website www.sksi.sk.
When is certification required?
Since 2008, building owners have been required to ensure that energy certification of buildings is carried out:
- upon completion of a new building (at final inspection),
- for existing buildings after significant renovation, when sold, when leased.
Certification must be obtained for non-industrial buildings in these cases, including buildings owned by the state, self-governing region, or municipality, as well as residential or single-family homes. Ensuring certification, if required by law, should also be regulated in building management contracts.