In realization of Directive 2002/91/CE on the energy performance of buildings, D.Lgs. n. 192 August 19th 2005 makes buildings energy certification mandatory.
Remarkable element of the Directive is the Energy Performance Certificate which lists the energy performance of a building; it includes one or more numeric indicators and reference values in order to make it possible for consumers to compare and assess the energy performance of the building. The certificate is provided with recommendations for the cost-effective improvement of the energy performance.
Only qualified and accredited experts and Certification Bodies, with specific professional requirements, can release this document. The Energy Performance Certificate is mandatory for:

• new buildings with construction permit released after October 8th 2005;
• sold and rented existing buildings.

The temporal limits are:

• since July 1st 2007 for buildings with a total useful floor area over 1000 sm;
• since July 1st 2008 for buildings with a total useful floor area below 1000 sm (entire building transfer);
• since July 1st 2009 for single apartment;

The certificate must be given to the owner or by the owner to the buyer or tenant, as the case might be. Buyers or tenants can consider ineffective contracts signed without certificate.

WHY CERTIFICATION MATTERS

The prime purpose of Directive is reducing energy consumption, improving indoor climatic conditions and microclimate around buildings. Energy Performance Certificates will improve the transparency in real estate market, in which it will be easier to make a choice:

• buyers and tenants will have objective and transparent information about energetic costs and buildings characteristics;
• owners will know their own building heat and cold water consumption and thus encouraging further interventions improving energetic efficiency;
• buyers will ask suppliers and sellers reliable information about energetic management costs of buildings;
• it will be possible to estimate if it is better to spend more for a more efficient building, in the eyes of management and maintenance