From 1st June energy efficiency certificates will be obligatory in Spain: we are a registered Engineer to issue the fully legal documentation Costa Blanca South- Alicante region - Orihuela Costa

Following months of preparation the Spanish Government have finally published the Royal Decree relating to new legislation which will make it obligatory for any house sold or rented after 1st June 2013 to have an Energy certificate. This brings Spanish legislation into line with the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings which came into effect progressively from 2007. This legislation is part of an overall strategy to to deal with climate change and makes the use of energy Transparent by grading the energy efficiency of every building. In other parts of Europe this certificate is known as an Energy performance certificatet; This move will make it obligatory for those buying property after that date or renting for more than four months to be supplied with an energy efficiency certificate for the building as a whole or the individual home in question, and has been brought in after a delay of various months in order to meet European Union requirements. The law implementing the energy efficiency certificate sets out the basic procedures for energy efficiency certification. As well as giving the building concerned a general energy efficiency rating, the certificate will have to include an objective evaluation of the energy characteristics of the building and, for those homes which are already built, documented suggestions for improving energy consumption. It is hoped that this will provide a reliable and easy way of assessing and comparing the energy efficiency of different buildings. In order to make it easier to obtain the relevant certification, the Institute for Saving and Diversifying Energy (IDAE) has been commissioned by the relevant government ministries to develop the CE3 and CE3X computer programs, both of which have been published and made available to the technicians authorized to issue energy certificates. At the same time the IDAE is implementing a training plan for technicians and others involved in awarding energy certificates, using the CE3 and CE3X programs. Similarly, the same organization will be in charge of informing vendors, purchasers and all other interested parties about the new requirements they will have to meet. In an attempt to set a good example. the law requires that all public authorities occupying a floor area of over 500m2 and which are frequented by members of the general public must hold a valid energy certificate and display their energy efficiency labels. All homes that are sold or rented in Spain will have to have an energy efficiency certificate. This is a European initiative which will affect millions of homeowners, and comprises a report on the home´s energy efficiency. If you require any further assistance or you have questions regarding these matters, please, do not hesitate in sending an e.mail to our Engineer: epc@spanishbest.com He will get back to you with the right answers to your questions.