[Article updated in December 2024]

Energy certification has become increasingly important due to concerns about sustainability and the environment.

This process has not only become a mandatory requirement in some cases, but also offers numerous advantages and benefits for companies that choose to commit to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

One of the key reasons why energy performance certificate or energy certification has gained importance is due to the growing awareness of the need to reduce the environmental impact of human activities. Today's society increasingly values companies that adopt sustainable practices and show a real commitment to environmental protection.

What is the energy performance certificate (EPC)?

The energy performance certificate (EPC) is an official document that evaluates and classifies the energy consumption of a building, company or home. This report identifies the energy efficiency level of the building and provides recommendations for improvement. The main objective is to promote energy savings and reduce carbon emissions.

What does the energy performance certificate include?

The energy performance certificate contains a number of key elements:

• Identification of the building: location, owner's details and technical details.
• Certification process: record of the process to obtain the energy performance certificate.
• Energy characteristics of the building: heating, cooling, hot water systems, insulation and building materials.
• Energy rating: a letter scale (from A, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient) indicating the energy performance of the building.
• Recommendations for improvement: measures suggested by the technician to optimise energy efficiency.
• Date of issue: record of the day on which the certificate was drawn up.

Energy labelling: a key tool for responsible energy consumption and energy efficiency

Energy labelling is a system introduced in 1994 to encourage more efficient energy consumption in households and businesses. Thanks to its implementation, primary energy consumption in the European Union has been reduced by 10%, helping consumers to save money and promoting the development of more sustainable products by companies. Today, labelling is recognised by 95% of European citizens, who consider it a determining factor when choosing products.

‍• What is the energy label?

The energy label classifies products according to their efficiency using a scale of colours and letters ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This allows consumers to compare similar products, not only on aspects such as price or technical characteristics, but also in terms of environmental impact, energy consumption and other parameters such as water consumption.

The label also includes QR codes that provide direct access to detailed product information, improving transparency and encouraging more informed and responsible consumption.

• Rescaling: a new rating system

From 2021, the European Union has restructured the energy rating system with the aim of adapting to technological developments and simplifying choices for consumers. This ‘re-scaling’ has eliminated the A+, A++ and A+++ categories, reorganising the scale so that the most efficient products are now re-classified between A and G.

This change has also introduced new testing standards that more accurately reflect the actual use of products in the building. For this reason, a household appliance, for example, that was previously rated A+++ may now appear with a lower rating, such as B or C. It is important to note that there is no direct correspondence between the old and new labels, which reinforces the need to understand the new system in order to make informed purchasing decisions.

• Comparison between the old and the current energy label

To better understand the differences between the two labels and how they affect the consumer, the comparative visual representation below details the main features of each system:

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What is the energy performance certificate for?

The certificate not only fulfils a regulatory function, but also offers numerous benefits:

1. Energy efficiency: certification provides a detailed assessment of a company's energy efficiency, identifying areas for improvement. By implementing suggested measures, companies can optimise their energy consumption and reduce their environmental footprint.
2. Cost reduction: Improving energy efficiency often leads to a decrease in operating costs. The implementation of more efficient technologies and careful management of energy resources can result in significant financial savings in the long term.
3. Reputation and social responsibility: Obtaining energy certification demonstrates a company's commitment to environmental and social responsibility. This can enhance corporate image and attract customers and partners who value sustainability.
4. Regulatory compliance: Energy certification can help businesses comply with local regulations and standards related to energy efficiency. Complying with these legal requirements is essential to avoid penalties and maintain the licence to operate.
5. Market differentiation: In an increasingly competitive business environment, energy certification can differentiate a company by demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. This can be a deciding factor for consumers and customers looking to support socially and environmentally responsible businesses.

Is the energy performance certificate compulsory?

The energy performance certificate is compulsory in the following cases:

• Sale of real estate: any sale and purchase transaction requires the certificate.
• Rental of dwellings: the landlord must have this document before entering into a contract.

There are exceptions where an energy performance certificate is not mandatory, such as:

• Temporary constructions with a useful life of 2 years or less.
• Industrial buildings for workshops or activities with low energy demand.
• Buildings listed as officially protected.
• Detached dwellings with a floor area of less than 50 m².
• Buildings acquired for major renovation or demolition.

How to obtain the energy performance certificate?

The process to obtain the EPC consists of the following steps:

1. Hire an authorised technician: architects, engineers or quantity surveyors can carry out the certification.
2. Technical visit: the professional collects information on measurements, materials, heating installations, hot water, air conditioning, etc.
3. Energy analysis: the data collected is fed into specific software that calculates the energy rating of the property.
4. Issuing the certificate: the technician draws up a detailed report with the rating and recommendations for improvement.
5. Official registration: the certificate must be registered with the competent body of the Autonomous Community.

• ‍Price to obtain the energy efficiency certificate

As for the price of obtaining the energy efficiency certificate, the cost can vary depending on factors such as location, square metres of the property and the fees of the technician in charge. In general, the average price is between 60 and 100 euros for standard dwellings, although it can be higher for larger or more complex properties.

• Duration of the energy performance certificate

The energy performance certificate, as well as the energy label, is valid for 10 years, except when the energy rating is G in buildings registered since June 2021, in which case the duration is reduced to 5 years. After this period, it must be renewed to maintain its validity.

Obtaining accurate data to measure carbon footprint

The energy performance certificate has become a very important tool for both regulatory compliance and for promoting responsible and sustainable practices. Whether you want to sell, rent or improve your property, this document not only provides transparency, but also opens the door to a more efficient and environmentally friendly future.

At Polaroo, we have seen how the efficient management of basic supplies can make a big difference to those looking to optimise resources and reduce their environmental impact. A clear example of this is Irene Noguera, Executive Assistant, Administration Team at EPI Industries, who told us how before 2021, energy consumption analysis required manual data entry on an invoice-by-invoice basis, a process that could take days. Now, thanks to our solution, it's a matter of minutes to get all the information needed to calculate the carbon footprint and manage sustainability effectively. You can read the full testimonial here: EPI Industries and the centralisation and control of data for efficient and sustainable supply management

Stories like EPI's motivate us to continue offering tools and services that simplify the energy management of real estate, helping companies save time and resources, while moving towards a more sustainable and efficient model.