Taking care of energy efficiency will soon be amply rewarded

The new EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings will soon affect all real estate transactions, new building plans and building renovation projects. A transition period is already underway.

The Energy Performance in Buildings Directive calls for all EU Member States to adopt a new practice for certifying the energy efficiency of buildings by the year 2006. Each country will prepare a national model, based on the Directive's strict requirements, for calculating the energy performance of homes and real estates as well as public buildings.

In a short while, building designers will be applying the new calculation methodology to get their buildings certified on an appropriate level. Those selling real estate will order energy performance certificates to demonstrate the value – and justify the asking price – of their property. Certified inspectors will calculate and then verify the energy efficiency levels of buildings by issuing official documents to property owners. Building renovators will set out to improve the energy certification level of a house in order to increase its market value.

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