The Energy Certificate is a document that evaluates the energy efficiency of a property, giving it a label according to the CO2 emissions it produces. To obtain it, it is necessary to make a data capture of the property, analyzing the envelope (composition of the facades, roofs, windows), and the facilities, ACS, heating, air conditioning, and lighting when dealing with tertiary buildings.

By publishing the RD 235/2013, of April 5, which approves the basic procedure for the certification of energy efficiency of buildings, it is intended that, by evaluating and comparing the energy efficiency of buildings, the promotion of buildings with high energy efficiency and the investments in energy saving. The information contained in the Energy Certificate helps to visualize CO2 emissions by the use of energy from emission sources in the residential sector, which will facilitate the adoption of measures to reduce emissions and improve the energy rating of buildings.

It qualifies the house on a scale from A to G, according to the CO2 emissions it produces, and its energy consumption is obtained. It is useful for the consumer, because it allows comparing homes of different qualifications.

It consists of a study of the housing envelope and its facilities. From a series of calculations in which the orientation or the surface are also taken into account, a qualification is obtained that ranges from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient). To carry out the calculations, you can choose the general method or the simplified method. The Calener VYP and Calener GT programs are used for the general method, and the CE3, CE3X and CERMA programs are used for the simplified method.

From June 1, 2013, date of entry into force of the RD 235/2013, the owner of the property has the obligation to have the Energy Efficiency Certificate when he is going to sell or rent the same, which he will make available to the potential tenant or buyer (Sole Article, second paragraph). It is important to note that there are exceptions to the obligation to have an Energy Certificate; are those indicated in Article 2 of the Basic Procedure:

a) Buildings and monuments officially protected as part of a declared environment or because of their particular architectural or historical value.

b) Buildings or parts of buildings used exclusively as places of worship and for religious activities.

c) Provisional constructions with an expected period of use equal to or less than two years.

d) Industrial, defense and agricultural buildings or parts thereof, in the part intended for workshops, industrial, defense and non-residential agricultural processes.

e) Buildings or parts of isolated buildings with a total useful area of less than 50 m2.

f) Buildings that are purchased for major renovations or demolition.

g) Buildings or parts of existing buildings of houses, whose use is less than four months per year, or for a limited time per year and with an expected energy consumption of less than 25 percent of what would result from their use during all the year, as long as this is confirmed by the responsible declaration of the owner of the home.

On the other hand, according to Article 12 of the Basic Procedure, the Energy Label will be included in every offer, promotion and advertising aimed at the sale or lease of the building or building unit.

Yes. The certificate of energy efficiency of the building must be submitted, by the promoter, or owner, where appropriate, to the competent body of the Autonomous Community in terms of energy certification of buildings, for the registration of these certifications in their territorial scope. In the case of the Community of Catalonia, the competent body is the Catalan Institute of Energy (ICE).

We have a technical architect, so in addition to being cataloged as a competent technician according to the RD 235/2013, is formed both for the data collection in situ of the property and for the realization of the calculations, analyzes and valuations necessary to obtain an Energy Certificate of guarantees.