Energy Labelling of Smaller Buildings

The energy labelling of buildings in Denmark was developed in the context of a long history of energy saving policy initiatives. Energy labelling was and is still seen as an important way to achieve energy savings in buildings - both existing and new - since the potential for energy savings in these areas is considered quite large. Every house-owner may have an audit of his building, describing the present energy conditions with recommendations for possible energy saving measures in the building shell and heating equipment. When dealing in real estate, an audit is required if the building has an area of 1 500 m2 or less. The result of the audit is an Energy Label describing the energy condition on a scale from A1 to C5 (A1 is best). Heating, electricity and water consumption are rated on the basis of a standard calculation, not actual consumption, because it is linked to the particular sellers household (number of persons and behaviour). Another part of the audit is an Energy Plan informing the buyer which measures could be worthwhile carrying out in the short or long run to save energy. This mandatory scheme was implemented in 1 January 1997 and replaces the heat inspection scheme that had been in operation since 1981. The scheme was evaluated in 2000 and the conclusions were that there is a large energy saving potential in existing buildings. Forty-five per cent of the owners of labelled houses actually invested in heat saving measures. Even though the scheme is mandatory, only around 50% of the traded houses were covered by an energy certification. The largest group of labelled buildings is single family homes. From 40 000 to 50 000 buildings are labelled every year.

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