The Energy Performance Certificate for Buildings is a European initiative to promote energy efficiency in existing buildings and new constructions that has come into force this year 2013. From now on, potential buyers or tenants of a house, flat or commercial premises, will require from the owner of the property an official energy rating. This classification, similar to that carried by white goods, may influence their decision on the purchase or lease, as it is obviously in their financial interest to buy or rent an energy-efficient building, other than one with high energy consumption levels.

Promoting energy efficiency in buildings is aimed at achieving a reduction in overall energy consumption of fossil fuels, with a subsequent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and in the country’s energy dependence, as well as, in the medium term, saving money for many families.

In the long term, the energy certification of buildings could also be used by local and central governments to regulate the various taxes, tax incentives, grants, etc., related to the purchase or lease of properties, rewarding more efficient buildings.