A fresh work for homeowners. For deficiency of this document, immense penalties

Since 1 April 2024, fresh regulations have been in force in Poland imposing an work on homeowners and housing energy performance certificates. The absence of this paper may consequence in fines to PLN 5 000.

What is an energy performance certificate?

The energy performance certificate is simply a paper specifying Energy needs of the building essential for its use, including:

• Heating,
• Ventilation,
• Air conditioning,
• Hot water heating.

This paper informs about the energy efficiency of the building, which is crucial for both owners and possible buyers or tenants.

Energy performance certificate

Who is required to bear a certificate?

The work to have an energy certificate shall concern:

• Homeowners,
• Housing owners,
• Owners of utility buildings.

This paper is essential for:

• Real property sales,
• Renting real estate.

This means that any transaction related to the transfer of property or the lease of a building or dwelling requires the presentation of a current energy certificate.

Failure to have an energy performance certificate may lead to serious financial consequences. According to the provisions in force, the absence of this paper would be punishable by fines to PLN 5 000.

Benefits of having an energy certificate

In addition to gathering legal requirements, having an energy certificate brings with it respective crucial benefits:

• Increase in property value: Better energy efficiency properties are more attractive to possible buyers and tenants.
• Savings on operating costs: The information in the certificate may aid identify areas for improvement, which may lead to a simplification in the costs associated with the usage of the building.
• Environmental awareness: Having cognition about energy consumption in the building allows for ecological action, which is crucial in the context of environmental protection.

How to get an energy certificate?

In order to get an energy performance certificate, a qualified energy auditor should be contacted. This process shall include:

1. Visit of the auditor: The specialist evaluates the building, analyzing its design, heating systems, ventilation systems and another elements affecting energy consumption.
2. Preparation of the document: Based on the data collected, the auditor prepares an energy certificate that is valid by 10 years, unless crucial changes have been made to the building affecting its energy characteristics.

Cost of obtaining an energy certificate

The cost of producing an energy certificate depends on respective factors specified as:

• Building size and type
• Property Location
• Complexity of energy systems

Average prices scope from 300 to 1000 PLN. However, it is worth noting that this investment can bring tangible benefits in terms of higher property value and possible savings on operating costs.

The introduction of an energy performance certificate is aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings in Poland and expanding environmental awareness among property owners. Failure to comply with this work may consequence in severe financial penalties, so it is worth taking care to get a appropriate paper in case of planned sale or rental of real estate.