Why do you need an Energy Certificate?

Fórmula Insular
Engineering, Architecture & Topography

Home
who we are
What we do
Contact
Posts

Home
who we are
What we do
Contact
Posts

Facebook Instagram

Home
who we are
What we do
Contact
Posts

Home
who we are
What we do
Contact
Posts

The importance of an Energy Certificate?

The energy certificate is a document that assesses the energy efficiency of a dwelling on a scale from A+ to F, with class A+ representing a highly efficient dwelling, while class F pertains to a less efficient one. It is a mandatory requirement whenever the sale or rental of a dwelling is involved.

The energy certificate is a document issued by offices or technicians authorized by ADENE – THE ENERGY AUTHORITY. This document serves several purposes:

Inform potential buyers or tenants about the energy performance of the property, helping them make decisions regarding energy consumption and associated costs.
Promote energy efficiency by encouraging property owners and builders to enhance the efficiency of properties.
Contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and compliance with energy efficiency regulations.
The energy certificate is valid for a period of 10 years.

Who is responsible for requesting an Energy Certificate, and how is the logistics for issuing this document carried out?

The energy certificate must be requested by the property owner, and it is mandatory to have the property’s energy class whenever its sale or rental is involved.
Before the assessor’s visit to the property, it is necessary to gather some documentation, including a copy of the property plant, the urban property booklet, the property registration certificate, and the housing technical data sheet.
After the assessor has conducted the inspection, a provisional document is issued for the owner to verify that all the information is correct.
Following the verification mentioned in the previous point, if all the information is in compliance with the request, the final energy certificate is issued.

Here are some of the main situations in which an Energy Certificate is required:

Real Estate Sales: When a property owner wishes to sell a property, they must obtain an Energy Certificate before listing the property on the market. The certificate should be made available to potential buyers.
Property Rentals: An Energy Certificate is mandatory for properties that will be rented.
Real Estate Advertising: Any advertisement or promotion of property sales or rentals must include the property’s energy efficiency rating as indicated on the Energy Certificate.
Construction and Renovation: When a new property is constructed or an existing property undergoes significant renovation.
Commercialization of Service and Commercial Properties: Service and commercial properties must have an Energy Certificate available for potential tenants or buyers.
Changes in Property Use: If a property undergoes a change in its usage license, such as from residential to commercial.
Public Properties: Public properties, including government-owned and public institution properties.

*It’s important to note that non-compliance with the obligations related to the Energy Certificate can result in penalties and fines, so it is essential to meet the legal requirements in all situations where the certificate is required.

In some situations, properties are exempt from the requirement to obtain an Energy Certificate:

Properties with a total useful area of less than 50 square meters: Properties or autonomous units with a total useful area of less than 50 square meters may not be required to obtain an Energy Certificate.
Industrial, Commercial, and Agricultural Properties: Properties intended for industrial, commercial, or agricultural activities that do not involve significant human occupancy may be exempt from the energy certification requirement.
Properties slated for demolition: Properties intended for demolition or removal do not need an Energy Certificate.
Temporary Properties: Properties with an expected period of use of less than two years, such as some temporary constructions, may also be exempt from energy certification.
Religious Worship Properties: Properties used for religious worship, such as churches, mosques, and temples, are exempt from the energy certification requirement.
Properties Declared of Public Utility or Public Interest: Some properties considered to be of public utility or public interest may be exempt from energy certification, although this exemption can vary.

*Remember that exemptions may change over time and based on specific regulations in effect. Therefore, it’s important to consult the current legislation and regulations in Portugal or contact an energy certification expert for accurate information on exemptions and energy certification requirements for properties in special situations.

Based in Santa Cruz, Flores Island, Fórmula Insular operates in various sectors, including Engineering, Architecture & Topography. We are present throughout the Azores archipelago and mainland Portugal.
For more information?

Contact US

other Useful Information:

SIRGIC – Immediate and Free Registration

Works exempt from prior control

The Different Housing Typologies

What is the importance of a Topographic Survey?