How to Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate in Portugal

In Portugal, as in many European countries, energy efficiency is a key concern, both for environmental reasons and for reducing energy costs. One way the government ensures buildings are energy efficient is through the Energy Performance Certificate (Certificado Energético or CE). The CE rates a building's energy consumption, providing prospective buyers or tenants with crucial information about how much energy a property is likely to use.If you are buying, selling, or renting a property in Portugal, obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate is a legal requirement. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate in Portugal.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides information about a building’s energy efficiency, including its energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and overall sustainability. The certificate gives the property a rating from A+ (most efficient) to F(least efficient), helping potential buyers or tenants understand the property’s energy costs and environmental impact.The certificate evaluates several factors, including:

Insulation: Quality of thermal insulation, including walls, roof, and windows.
Heating and Cooling Systems: Efficiency of the heating and cooling systems used in the building.
Energy Sources: Use of renewable energy (e.g., solar panels) and energy-efficient technologies.
Lighting and Appliances: Efficiency of lighting and electrical appliances in the building.

Why is an Energy Performance Certificate Required?

In Portugal, obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate is mandatory when:

Selling a Property: The certificate must be presented to potential buyers.
Renting a Property: Landlords must provide an EPC to tenants.
New Construction: Newly built properties must obtain an EPC before being sold or rented.

The EPC helps buyers and tenants make informed decisions about energy costs and sustainability. It also supports Portugal's goal of reducing overall energy consumption and carbon emissions in line with European Union regulations.

Who Can Issue an Energy Performance Certificate in Portugal?

Only certified professionals, such as Energy Certifiers (Peritos Qualificados em Eficiência Energética), can issue an Energy Performance Certificate in Portugal. These certifiers are experts in energy efficiency, and they assess the property’s energy systems, structure, and overall performance. They must be accredited by the Portuguese government and registered with the Direção-Geral de Energia e Geologia (DGEG), the General Directorate for Energy and Geology.To find a qualified energy certifier, you can check with official organizations or visit websites that list certified professionals, such as the National Energy Agency (Agência Nacional de Energia – ADENE).

Steps to Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate

Find a Qualified Energy Certifier

To begin the process, you’ll need to hire a qualified professional who can assess your property. You can search for certified energy auditors or consult your real estate agent for recommendations. Make sure the professional is accredited by ADENE or DGEG.

Schedule the Energy Assessment

Once you’ve selected a certifier, schedule a time for the assessment. The certifier will visit the property to evaluate various factors, including insulation, heating, and energy systems. The assessment typically takes a few hours depending on the size and complexity of the property.

Property Assessment

The certifier will examine the following:

Thermal insulation: Checking the quality of insulation in walls, windows, doors, and roofs.
Heating and Cooling Systems: Examining the efficiency of any heating and cooling systems (e.g., air conditioning, central heating).
Energy Sources: Reviewing the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, heat pumps, or wind energy.
Lighting and Appliances: Checking the energy efficiency of electrical appliances and lighting systems.
Energy Consumption: The certifier will also check the building’s energy consumption patterns based on past energy bills.

Receive the Certificate

After the assessment, the energy certifier will provide you with the Energy Performance Certificate, which includes:

Energy rating: A letter grade from A+ to F indicating the energy efficiency of the property.
Recommendations for improvement: Suggestions for improving the energy efficiency of the property (e.g., upgrading insulation or installing energy-efficient appliances).
Details of the assessment: A detailed breakdown of the property’s energy performance, including a description of the heating, cooling, and lighting systems.

Register the Energy Certificate

Once the certificate is issued, the energy certifier will register it in the SCE – Sistema Certificação Energética (Energy Certification System), an official database maintained by the DGEG. This ensures the certificate is valid and recognized by the authorities.

Costs of Obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate

The cost of obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate in Portugal varies depending on factors such as:

Property Size: Larger properties generally cost more to assess due to the time required for evaluation.
Property Location: Costs may vary slightly depending on the region, as some areas may have a higher demand for certifiers.
Type of Property: A single-family home may cost less to assess than a commercial building or apartment complex.

On average, you can expect to pay between €100 and €400for an Energy Performance Certificate in Portugal. The cost should be agreed upon with the certifier before the assessment.

Energy Performance Certificate Validity

An Energy Performance Certificate in Portugal is typically valid for 10 years. After this period, the property will need to be reassessed if it is being sold or rented again. It’s important to keep the certificate up to date, especially if you plan to put your property on the market.If significant improvements are made to the property (e.g., adding insulation or installing energy-efficient appliances), it may be worth updating the EPC before selling or renting the property, as the rating could improve, making the property more attractive to potential buyers or tenants.

Benefits of Having an Energy Performance Certificate

For Property Sellers and Landlords:

Attracts Buyers and Tenants: A higher energy rating can make your property more attractive to prospective buyers or tenants, as energy-efficient homes generally have lower utility costs.
Legal Requirement: It’s a legal requirement for selling or renting a property in Portugal. Failure to provide an EPC can result in penalties.
Improved Market Value: A property with a good energy rating (A or B) can be marketed as energy-efficient, potentially increasing its value.

For Buyers and Tenants:

Cost Savings: Knowing the energy rating allows buyers or tenants to anticipate future utility costs, making it easier to choose a property that fits their budget.
Environmental Impact: A higher energy rating means the property has a lower environmental impact, which may appeal to eco-conscious buyers or tenants.
Informed Decision: An EPC gives you a clearer understanding of the energy efficiency of a property and suggests potential improvements that can be made to lower energy consumption.

Improving the Energy Performance of Your Property

If your property receives a low energy rating (C or below), there are several ways to improve its energy efficiency and, in turn, its EPC rating:

Upgrade Insulation: Adding insulation to the roof, walls, and floors can dramatically improve a property’s energy efficiency.
Install Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems: Replacing old heating systems with modern, energy-efficient models (e.g., heat pumps) can reduce energy consumption.
Use Renewable Energy: Installing solar panels or wind turbines can contribute to a better energy rating.
Replace Windows and Doors: Double-glazed windows and insulated doors can significantly reduce heat loss, improving the property’s overall energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate is an essential part of selling or renting a property in Portugal. Not only does it fulfill a legal requirement, but it also helps buyers and tenants make informed decisions based on the property’s energy efficiency. The process is straightforward, provided you hire a qualified energy certifier and follow the necessary steps. Additionally, improving your property’s energy performance can enhance its market value and reduce future energy costs, benefiting both property owners and future occupants.