PRESENT and future in the field of energy certificates

Energy performance certificates (EPC) are a part of the European EPBD directive 2010/91/EU, representing an important tool in the effort to improve the technical characteristics of modern buildings. The main purpose of the EPC is to become a valuation method useful for building owners, occupants or companies specialized in the supply of rental services and now is one of the most trusted sources of information about the thermal properties of stock constructions of the European Union. In addition, these documents have the chance to turn into right tools for tracking and evaluation of buildings, measuring the impact of public policies regarding the achieve of sustainability goals set in the Europe 2050 program. The ultimate aim of this valuation method it is to create a new energy markets in construction sector, oriented mainly to consumers. In the new economic environment generated by the implementation of requirements related to sustainability, energy certificates have a real chance to help change the entire market profile. The interest for an occupant of a building will increase in the future to live in a space efficient in terms of energy, the building owner will grow the attention to ensure the fulfillment of those requirements. It is certain that the EPC will be a real element of influence for construction companies and property developers, who will thus have every reason to allocate additional funds towards increasing energy performance, both in terms of new construction and rehabilitations. However, proper design and implementation of the EPC is a very demanding and complex task, involving a multidimensional approach that takes into account technical, political and socio-economic factors. So far, all 28 EU Member States have formally implemented this method of assessment under national legislation, with minor differences, such as, for example, in Hungary where certificates voluntary for rented buildings have become mandatory. The new version of the EPBD, amended in 2010, sets the framework for the implementation of EPC schemes in the Member States, while introducing additional requirements to improve the original scheme.