Energy Consultant

Energy Consultant - An energy consultant is a qualified expert who advises building owners on the energy assessment and optimization of their properties. To be recognized as an energy consultant, one must be registered on the federal list of energy efficiency experts, which is maintained by the German Energy Agency (dena).

Responsibilities and Services of an Energy Consultant

Energy consultants analyze a building’s current energy status and develop economically viable renovation concepts. Their services encompass several interrelated areas.

Energy Assessment: The energy consultant evaluates the building envelope, the heating system, the hot water supply, and the ventilation system. Based on this data, they calculate the actual energy demand and compare it with the legal requirements of the Building Energy Act (GEG).

Individual Renovation Roadmap (iSFP): The core consulting product is the iSFP. It clearly outlines which energy-efficiency measures are advisable and in what order, and provides a cost-benefit assessment for each measure. The iSFP is standardized and is funded by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). Measures implemented as part of an iSFP receive a 5 percentage point increase in the subsidy rate under KfW and BAFA programs.

Energy Performance Certificate: Energy consultants issue both demand-based and consumption-based certificates in accordance with the GEG. The demand-based certificate is based on a technical analysis of the building and is mandatory for residential buildings with fewer than five residential units and built before 1978, provided that no comprehensive energy-efficient renovation has taken place.

Subsidy Consulting and Construction Supervision: For most KfW and BAFA subsidies in the area of energy-efficient renovation, the involvement of an energy efficiency expert from the dena list is a prerequisite. The consultant compiles the technical project description (TPB), confirms the eligible measures, and, upon completion of the work, performs quality assurance through an on-site inspection.

Qualifications and Certification: Energy consultants must hold a relevant basic qualification as an engineer, architect, or master craftsman and additionally complete recognized continuing education in the field of energy consulting. Registration on the dena list of experts requires regular continuing education and proof of practical consulting experience.

Overview of Services and Funding - Energy Consultants (as of 2024)

Service	Gross Cost	BAFA Funding	Out-of-Pocket Cost	Prerequisite
iSFP Single-Family Home (up to 2 residential units)	€1,000-1,500	50% (max. €650)	approx. €350-650	dena expert list
iSFP Multi-Family Home (3 or more residential units)	€1,500-2,500	50% (max. €850)	approx. €700-1,650	dena expert list
Energy Performance Certificate (demand-based certificate)	€300-600	Not eligible for funding	€300-600	Eligibility under GEG
KfW Construction Support (BEG)	€1,500-3,000	50% (max. €5,000)	€750-1,500	dena expert list (BEG)
Funding consultation	€300-800	Partially included in iSFP	-	Optional

Costs and Funding for Energy Consulting

The costs for a qualified energy consultation depend on the size of the building and the scope of services. For a single-family or two-family home, the costs for an iSFP typically range between €1,000 and €2,000. The BAFA subsidizes energy consulting for residential buildings under the “Federal Subsidy for Energy Consulting for Residential Buildings” with a grant covering 50 percent of eligible consulting costs-up to 650 euros for single-family and two-family homes and up to 850 euros for residential buildings with three or more residential units. The out-of-pocket cost for a complete energy consultation, including the iSFP, is therefore in many cases only 350 to 650 euros. The application is submitted directly by the energy consultant to the BAFA before the consultation begins.

Practical Tip for Nuremberg and Franconia

In the Nuremberg metropolitan region, numerous energy consultants are registered on the dena expert list. We recommend that property owners pay attention to additional qualifications when making their selection: For KfW subsidy programs, the consultant must be listed in the “Federal Subsidies for Efficient Buildings” category; for the issuance of energy performance certificates, they must be listed in the “Energy Performance Certificate” category. In Nuremberg, the Bavarian Consumer Advice Center also offers free initial consultations on energy savings-a good way to assess your specific consulting needs before commissioning a comprehensive iSFP. Especially for typical Franconian sandstone buildings and half-timbered houses, an energy consultant with regional experience is particularly valuable, as these construction methods require specialized insulation concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an energy consultant for a KfW grant?

Yes, for nearly all KfW and BAFA grant programs in the field of energy-efficient building renovation, the involvement of an energy efficiency expert from the dena list is mandatory. The consultant confirms that the planned measures meet the minimum technical requirements and handles quality assurance upon completion. Without this confirmation, the grant application will not be approved. The costs for the energy consultant’s construction supervision are themselves eligible for funding-with a subsidy of up to 50 percent.

What is the difference between energy consulting and an energy performance certificate?

The energy performance certificate is a standardized document that rates a building’s energy consumption or demand on a color scale from A+ to H. It is required by law for sales, rentals, or leases. Energy consulting goes far beyond this: it analyzes the building in detail, identifies weaknesses, and develops a concrete renovation roadmap with a cost-benefit analysis. The energy performance certificate is therefore a mandatory document, while energy consulting is a voluntary but highly worthwhile investment.

How do I find a qualified energy consultant in Nuremberg?

The simplest and most reliable method is to search the federal government’s list of energy efficiency experts at www.energie-effizienz-experten.de. There, you can filter consultants by ZIP code and desired qualifications. Several hundred experts are currently listed for the Nuremberg region. When making your selection, we recommend paying attention to references and experience with comparable building types and scheduling a free initial consultation in advance.

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