What is an energy performance certificate and why is it important?

An energy performance certificate is an indispensable document for selling or letting property. It provides potential buyers or tenants with information about the energy efficiency of a building and enables energy costs to be compared. The Building Energy Act (GEG) stipulates that owners must present an energy performance certificate when selling or letting a property. There are two types of energy performance certificate: the demand certificate and the consumption certificate, both of which provide important information on the energy balance of a property.

Difference between a demand certificate and a consumption certificate

The Building Energy Act (GEG) distinguishes between two types of energy performance certificate: the demand certificate and the consumption certificate.
- The requirement certificate assesses the theoretical energy requirement of a building on the basis of its structural substance and technical equipment. This certificate is particularly important for old buildings or unrenovated properties.
- The consumption certificate is based on the actual energy consumption of the last three years. This certificate is often cheaper and is used for modernised or smaller buildings.

Both variants are important for estimating the future energy costs and energy efficiency of a property.

Who needs an energy performance certificate and when is it mandatory?

The Building Energy Act (GEG) stipulates that an energy performance certificate is required when selling, letting or renovating a property. Both residential and commercial properties require a valid energy performance certificate. Without this, fines of up to 15,000 euros may be imposed. It is therefore important to apply for an energy performance certificate in good time.

Requirements of the Building Energy Act (GEG)

The Building Energy Act (GEG) regulates the requirements for the energy performance certificate. The certificate assesses the energy demand or energy consumption and categorises the building into an energy efficiency class. This ranges from A+ (very energy efficient) to H (less energy efficient). It is important for owners to understand the requirements of the GEG and to apply for the appropriate energy certificate.

How to apply for an energy performance certificate

To apply for an energy performance certificate, owners can commission a qualified energy consultant or a specialised company such as my-home.de. They will analyse the property and issue either a requirement certificate or a consumption certificate, depending on the condition and type of property. It is important to apply in good time to avoid delays in selling or letting the property.

Tips for improving energy efficiency

There are numerous ways to improve the energy efficiency of a building and reduce energy costs:
- Thermal insulation: Good insulation of walls, roofs and windows can significantly reduce energy requirements.
- Heating modernisation: Replacing outdated heating systems with modern heating technologies such as heat pumps or solar thermal energy reduces heating costs.
- Renewable energies: The use of photovoltaics or other renewable energies improves energy efficiency and contributes to sustainability.

Such measures not only improve the energy efficiency class of a building, but also increase its market value.

If you want to sell or let a property, check whether your energy performance certificate is still valid or needs to be renewed. The my-home.de service offers you a quick and easy way to apply for a legally compliant energy performance certificate.

Frequently asked questions about the energy performance certificate