What is Energy Certification?
Energy certification is an official document that assesses the energy efficiency of a property, rating it on a scale from A+ (very efficient) to F (not very efficient). This document is issued by qualified experts registered with ADENE – Energy Agency.
- Estimated energy consumption for heating, cooling, and hot water
- COâ‚‚ emissions associated with the building
- Improvement recommendations with cost-benefit analysis
- Constructive characteristics and energy systems installed
Legal Requirements in Portugal
Since 2013, energy certification has been mandatory in several situations regulated by the Energy Certification System (SCE):
- Sale of properties: any property listed for sale must have a valid energy certificate, and the energy class must be listed in the advertisement
- Rental: mandatory for new contracts, provided to the tenant before signing the contract
- New buildings and large works: all new or significantly renovated buildings require an energy certificate as part of the licensing process
Benefits for Owners
- Property Valuation: Properties with better energy ratings can achieve market values up to 10–15% higher than properties with class D or lower.
- Access to Incentives and Support: Energy certification is often required for applications to support programs, such as the Environmental Fund, which finances energy efficiency interventions in residential buildings.
- Reduction of Operational Costs: The certificate's recommendations help guide investments that can significantly reduce monthly energy expenses.
Benefits for Buyers and Tenants
- Transparency in Transactions: Allows objectively comparing the energy performance of different properties, facilitating informed decisions.
- Cost Prediction: The certificate allows estimating future energy costs, an increasingly relevant factor given price volatility.
- Environmental Impact and Sustainability: Contributes to awareness of energy consumption, encourages efficiency measures, and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with European de-carbonization goals.
How to Obtain Your Energy Certification
The process involves:
- Contacting a qualified expert – registered with ADENE (list available on the official website)
- Scheduling a technical visit – the expert collects data on construction characteristics and energy systems of the property
- Issuing the certificate – after analysis, the certificate is issued and registered in the Energy Certification System
The cost varies according to the type and location of the property. See our article on how much an energy certification costs for more details.
Validity and Renewal
The energy certificate is valid for 10 years for residential buildings. After this period, or in the case of significant works that change energy performance, a new certificate must be issued.
Note: Advertising properties without a valid certificate constitutes a legal offense, subject to fines that can reach thousands of euros.
5. Monitoring and clarifications
After issuance, the responsible expert must be available to explain the certificate's content, clarify doubts about the assigned energy class, and advise on the proposed improvement measures.
To learn more about improving your home, check our guide on energy efficiency measures.
Energy Certification: Transparency, Value, and Sustainability
Energy certification is more than a legal requirement : it is an essential tool for transparency in the real estate market, property valuation, and promotion of a more sustainable building stock. Owners, buyers, and tenants benefit from clear information that allows for more conscious decisions, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable future.