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Energy certificate preparation

Since 2012, the preparation of energy certificates has been part of the construction of new properties, property rentals, and property sales. The amendments made in November 2023 impact all participants in the real estate market.

What is an Energy Certificate?

An energy certificate provides information about a building’s energy efficiency, showing how much energy is lost during its operation. In many cases, it is also referred to as the building’s “green card.” Besides providing information, the certificate also includes suggestions for energy savings.

The energy requirements, CO2 emissions, heating type, and hot water usage of the property are classified with letter ratings, showing the overall energy characteristics of the building.

Why is it necessary?

The European Union is committed to sustainability and climate protection, which includes decarbonization—reducing fossil fuel usage and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. Building energy efficiency is part of this process.

It is well-known that in the EU, nearly 50% of final energy consumption is used for heating and cooling, with a significant portion occurring within buildings. This suggests that the EU’s energy and climate policy goals are linked to modernizing the building stock, with energy efficiency being a primary focus.

In line with these efforts, the EU has made it mandatory for its member states to prepare energy certificates for buildings, including residential properties and public institutions.

The energy certificate also includes information about possible modernizations to improve energy efficiency. The goal of these upgrades is to reduce energy consumption, leading to energy-efficient buildings.

Energy Certificate 2023 – New Regulations

Changing Legislation

There are two main changes related to the new energy certificate regulations. First, the 176/2008 Government Decree has undergone significant changes. Second, the 7/2006 TNM Decree has been repealed and replaced by the 9/2023 ÉKM Decree.

Content Changes

The primary feature of the content changes is that the energy certificate has become much clearer. Instead of various formulas and calculations, it can now be prepared with explanatory notes, making it more understandable not only for professionals but also for the general public.

The content requirements are outlined in Appendix 1 of the 176/2008. (VI. 30.) Government Decree.

The new energy certificate presents a consistent layout, with the energy classification, CO2 emissions, identification number (HET number), and validity date on every page.

The previous classification scale of AA++ to JJ (used since 2016) has changed to a new scale from A+++ to I. Each property now has two energy classifications: one based on previously used characteristics and the other on CO2 emissions.

Buildings that meet the nearly zero energy requirement fall under the B classification and above.

Building elements like enclosing and window structures, as well as building systems like heating or water systems, are rated on a five-point scale.

The current energy consumption per energy carrier is also indicated in the new energy certificate.

Modernization recommendations are also given greater emphasis, and individual structural elements are rated on a five-point scale. An example of a pitched roof is shown in the image.

Changes in Total Energy Characteristics

This characteristic indicates the building’s annual energy consumption per square meter. It includes both the energy consumed and the energy required to deliver it to the building. Renewable energy reduces the overall energy characteristic value. Naturally, the lower this value, the less energy the building uses.

For newly constructed residential and accommodation buildings, the required value for the total energy characteristic has decreased from 100 to 76 kWh/m²/year, and the specific CO2 emission of the buildings can be a maximum of 20 kg/m²/year.

When is an Energy Certificate Required and When is it Not?

The 176/2008 Government Decree regulates when the preparation of an energy certificate is mandatory and when it is not. The following table summarizes these cases.

Who Can Prepare the Energy Certificate?

The 266/2013. (VII. 11.) Government Decree on the practice of construction-related professions governs this area. Only qualified professionals with relevant qualifications and experience can prepare an energy certificate. The qualification is indicated by the designation “TÉ.”

In addition, the certificate preparer must also be a member of the relevant chamber.

In Hungary, two official organizations issue and maintain records of the required qualifications: the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers and the Hungarian Chamber of Architects. An energy certificate preparer must have authorization from one of these chambers.

You can verify the membership status of professionals through the official websites of these chambers.

The Guarantee of Authenticity

The authenticity of energy certificates is guaranteed by the so-called HET number. HET (Certified Energy Certificate) is a unique identifier assigned by the National Construction Registry to registered expert opinions and then to the certificates themselves.

This number guarantees that the certificate preparer has the necessary authorization to prepare the certificate.

The HET number is displayed in the header of the energy certificate under the identification section. It can also be checked on the e-certification website.

How to Request the Energy Certificate?

The energy certificate can be queried on the OÉNY website via the e-epites.hu platform. It is advisable to do this to ensure that the certificate has been prepared.

The Process of Preparing the Energy Certificate

The preparation process is simple. The first step is to find a qualified professional through the aforementioned registries. The energy expert conducts an on-site inspection and prepares the energy certificate based on the data collected, which is then handed over to the client. The energy certificate is also available on the OÉNY website by searching with the property’s cadastral number.

Summary of Changes in Energy Certificates in 2023:

  • The HET number does not need to be included in the property sale contract.
  • A second copy of the certificate can be provided to the buyer/tenant (as per 176/2008 Government Decree §3).
  • The validity period has decreased from 10 to 5 years.
  • Energy certificates issued before November 1, 2023, are valid only for 60 days, after which a new one must be prepared.
  • Starting from January 2024, a new energy certificate must be prepared for all property sales, rentals, and constructions.
  • The classification method has changed.
  • The energy certificates now have more detailed content, resulting in a more comprehensive database.
  • It is mandatory to list the energy classification in advertisements.
  • The property classification scale has changed from AA++ to JJ to A+++ to I, with two types of energy classifications (one based on previously used characteristics and the other on CO2 emissions).
  • The content of energy certificates has become simpler and more understandable for everyone.
  • The “nearly zero” energy requirement for new buildings has become stricter.
  • The energy certificate must be presented to the tenant or buyer by the day of the contract signing.
  • The property seller or landlord is responsible for preparing the energy certificate.
  • The required “total energy characteristic” for newly built residential and accommodation buildings has decreased from 100 to 76 kWh/m²/year, and CO2 emissions can be a maximum of 20 kg/m²/year.
  • The Hungarian Chamber of Engineers offers free energy advisory services to the public and businesses.
  • The new energy certificate registry is available at the OENY (National Construction Registry).

For energy certificate preparation, contact the Kenway team!