The energy certificate provides information about a building's energy consumption in heating and water preparation, as well as the energy-retaining quality of the structural shell. The certificate makes it possible to compare different buildings according to their energy consumption. Prospective buyers and tenants can use this information to better find a building that has lower operating costs and lower environmental impact.

The goal of the certificate is to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The energy certificate exposes the energy needs and brings more transparency into the real estate market.

With the energy certificate, you can now see how high a prospective home's energy costs really are. This is an important factor, one that should be considered before signing a lease or a purchase contract. The energy certificate is an objective source of information that makes it possible to compare energy demands of buildings throughout Germany.

The energy certificate brings transparency into the real estate market. With high energy prices, real estate objects with a certified low energy demand have a distinct competitive advantage when leasing or selling. The energy certificate also certifies the energy performance of the building, showing when applicable weak points in the building fabric and the heating systems, and also makes recommendations for refurbishing the building.

The energy certificate has been required for new construction for years. The German Energy Savings Ordinance (EnEV 2002 – amended 2004) requires that all prospective buyers and leasers should be presented with a valid energy certificate.

Of course, this does not mean that with each change of tenants a new energy certificate must be drawn up. The energy certificates are valid for a period of ten years, provided no changes are made to the building.

Serious potential buyers or tenants may demand to see an energy certificate. However, they are not legally entitled to receive a copy.

In Germany, the energy certificate for existing building was introduced on July 1st 2008. This date is applicable only to residences built in 1965 or later. Earlier constructions and nonresidential buildings will need an energy pass starting on the 1st of January 2009.

An energy certificate is basically required for all heated buildings. This applies to residences as well as to offices, public buildings or factories. Exceptions are provided for historical monuments, buildings with less than fifty square metres usable floor space, stalls, greenhouses and for vacation homes that are used for less than four months out of the year.

There are two types of energy certificates: the needs-oriented and the usage-oriented energy pass.

With the needs-oriented energy certificate, the energy requirements of a building are calculated according to standardised conditions. Since these conditions are the same everywhere, the energy performance of different buildings can be compared.

The usage-oriented energy certificate is based instead on the actual energy consumption of the past years. It depends not only on the quality of the construction, but also upon the usage habits of the inhabitants. Therefore there are differences that make it harder to compare buildings.

Even though a needs-oriented energy certificate is more expensive to draw up, due to the on-site inspection by an energy expert, it is recommended as it provides solid, neutral data about your building that can be used to plan refurbishing measures.

The issuance of a needs-oriented energy certificate is allowed for all buildings, irrespective of size, age and usage.

Usage-oriented energy certificates can be issued only under certain circumstances. Essentially, all residential structures can have had a usage-oriented energy certificate issued up to September 30, 2008.

Starting October 1 2008, a usage-oriented energy certificate can only be issued for residential buildings when one of the following conditions are met:

1. the building contains at least 5 residences
2. the construction permit was issued after November 1 1977
3. the building met the Thermal Protection Ordinance of August 11 1977 when built
4. the building was refitted to meet the Thermal Protection Ordinance of August 11 1977

For nonresidential buildings, a usage-oriented energy certificate is always allowed.

In any case, the consumption data for the past three years must be documented with heating and energy bills, or similar documents.

Yes, as the energy certificate is issued for the entire building, not for individual apartments. It evaluates the quality of the outer shell (walls, windows, roof, etc.) and the heating system. This is always calculated for the entire building.

No, there is no requirement. The energy certificate only provides information. Still, you should take the recommendations for renovating seriously. Especially if your building has a higher-than-average energy consumption, the recommended renovations will help both the environment and your budget.

The German Energy Agency has done some field tests, and it estimates that it would cost an average of about 200 euros for a single family home, or 300 euros or more for residences with more tenants.

Anybody planning to renovate or build a new home should have a certified energy estimate drawn up. The data that is won with it can be carried over into the official energy certificate.

NOTE: only have your home checked by a certified and qualified expert. Quick tests and remote diagnoses are not trustworthy.