The importance of the energy certificate

The document helps reduce energy consumption and makes the property more efficient. It is mandatory for all buildings - new and old - that are placed on the market.

The energy certificate classifies the energy performance of a property on a scale from A + to F, providing information on how to make it economical, reducing costs with energy use, more comfortable and efficient. This document is required for an owner or real estate agent who places a house on the market for sale or lease. ADENE - Energy Agency explains on its website that there are two models of energy certificate: one for residential buildings; another for commercial buildings and services.

As mentioned, the energy certificate is mandatory for new buildings. It is also mandatory for existing buildings subject to major rehabilitation interventions, in the surroundings or in the technical installations, which cost more than 25% of the value of the building, under the conditions defined in its own regulations. Commercial buildings and services, public buildings with certain characteristics and others are also required to have the aforementioned document.

The cost of an energy certificate varies. Of the fees of the qualified expert, which has no tabulated amounts and depends on factors such as the type and complexity of the building. And of the registration value of the issuance of energy certificates by government decree - housing or commercial buildings and services. In a dwelling, with typologies T0 and T1, the certification costs start at 28 euros, as explained on the ADENE website. For commercial buildings and services, the registration value depends on the useful interior area of flooring, excluding the area of complementary spaces. Thus, the energy certificate of a building starts at 135 euros, for those who have an area equal to or less than 250 m2. However the energy certificate of a building of commerce and services with an area superior to 5000 m2 costs 950 euros.

Of course, the term of validity of the energy certificates also differs according to the building. For housing is ten years; just as it is for small commercial buildings and services. Although for large commercial and service buildings it's eight years, for SCE certificates issued after 30 April 2015. It should be noted that the expiration dates change depending on whether they are rough buildings; of existing trade and services that do not have an updated maintenance plan among other variables. To know everything in detail go to: https://www.sce.pt/certificacao-energetica-de-edificios/consumidores/

To certify is to value

ADENE aims to sensibilize the Portuguese to the energy certification of buildings. In this sense, the "To certify is to value" campaign has recently been launched. Manuel Bóia, administrator of ADENE, said about this campaign: "We want to remind the Portuguese that the energy certificate is the first step towards the energy rehabilitation of a house, which will have direct implications for comfort, health and, of course, expenses , through a reduction in consumption, "he said and continued:" Obtaining the certificate allows us to identify the needs and measures to implement to live in a more energy efficient home, with the aim of saving, by also valuing the property. "

The certificate is a document in digital format that evaluates the energy efficiency of a property on a predefined scale of eight classes, where F is very inefficient and A + is very efficient. The document contains information about the characteristics of a house: insulation of windows, ventilation, air conditioning and hot water production and its effect on energy consumption.

This campaign to raise awareness and promote energy efficiency in private housing is co-financed by the Cohesion Fund's POSEUR - Operational Sustainability Program for Efficiency in the Use of Resources, Portugal 2020 and the European Union.