Thursday, August 14, 2025
1...
min
Whether you're the owner of a property or are looking to buy or rent a home, you've probably heard of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). But do you know what it is, what it's used for, and why it's so important? According to the European Commission, buildings collectively account for approximately 40% of the EU's total energy consumption and 36% of its greenhouse gas emissions. These figures clearly show that making buildings more efficient is a crucial step in reducing both consumption and emissions. That's why the EU decided to create this certificate, which has been mandatory in Spain since 2007.
If you're wondering whether you need an Energy Performance Certificate and what you need to do to get one, we'll answer all your questions in this article.
What is the Energy Performance Certificate and why is it important?
The Energy Performance Certificate is an official document issued by a qualified technician that evaluates the energy efficiency of a building (home, premises, office, etc.) and assigns an energy rating on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This certificate provides information on a building's energy consumption and CO2 emissions under normal usage and occupancy conditions.
Regardless of whether you live in the countryside or in the city, this certificate is mandatory and you could receive a sanction if you don't have one. Don't think of it as just another bureaucratic formality that you have to complete, as this document has various uses that will benefit you:
Know how much energy a building consumes
An Energy Performance Certificate lets us know how much energy a building consumes for heating, cooling, hot water, and lighting. It's like the energy label on an appliance, but for a home or premises.
Identify opportunities for improvement
This certificate not only provides a diagnosis, but also proposes specific measures that can be taken to reduce energy consumption such as improving insulation, changing the windows, or installing more efficient air conditioning systems, improvements that can result in significant savings on gas or electricity bills.
Add value to a property
A building with a good energy rating is more attractive on the market. Buyers and renters value efficient homes as they result in lower expenses in the long-term and also contribute to sustainability. Therefore, a good rating can make your property stand out and help you sell or rent it out more quickly.
Do you need an Energy Performance Certificate?
Spanish regulations are clear on this point and establish that an Energy Performance Certificate is mandatory in the following cases:
If you're going to sell or rent your home or premises
You need an Energy Performance Certificate before you can close the sale contract and, if renting, it must be attached to the lease contract.
If you're going to build a new building
You need one to complete the building work and get the certificate of occupancy.
If you are the holder of a publicly owned building
If this building has a total useful area of more than 250 m2, the certificate must be visible to the public.
There are some exceptions such as protected buildings of architectural or historical value, provisional buildings, or homes that are rented out for less than four months a year. Nonetheless, the Energy Performance Certificate is a mandatory and essential document for the vast majority of real estate transactions in Spain. It is also a tool that contributes to decarbonization and, therefore, makes the planet more sustainable. Don't wait until the last moment. Getting this certificate in advance will save you time and help you avoid any possible setbacks.
¿Te ha parecido interesante?
