Energy efficiency in residential buildings

Last updated: 5 November 2017
Regulation of 5 May 2012 modifying:
the modified regulation of 30 November 2007 concerning the energy performance of residential buildings, and
the regulation of 31 August 2010 concerning the energy performance of non-residential buildings
The requirements for residential buildings were implemented by the regulation of 30 November 2007 concerning the energy performance of residential buildings and came into force in 2008. The regulation implements a methodology to calculate the energy performance of residential buildings, minimum requirements for new buildings and extensions and renovated elements of existing buildings and, the most visible aspect of the regulation, the energy performance certificate (EPC).
Since the 1st of September 2008, each time a building permit (new buildings, extension and renovation of existing building) is required, the documents providing the calculation of the requested energy performance standards and the energy performance certificate must be attached to the application. The obligation to provide those documents arises from the legal requirement to submit a request for a building permit. The building license is required for new buildings and, depending on municipal rules, for modifications and extensions to buildings.
All existing residential buildings need to be certified when they are sold or rented. The owner must present a valid EPC to the buyer, when the selling or renting contract is established.
The energy efficiency of the building is calculated by a qualified expert who also issues the EPC. The buildings can be labelled A through G. A very important aspect of the certificate is that, besides the labelling of the building, the document lists for existing buildings, cost-effective measures for improving the energy performance.

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