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You are here: Home » Locations » Frankfurt, Germany » Frankfurt, Germany Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Frankfurt, Germany Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

The Partner Property Consultants team in Frankfurt is qualified to assess and certify buildings with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). A valid EPC is a compulsory requirement for properties in Europe that are let or sold, and they indicate the energy efficiency performance of the building. There are Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) to let and sell a building or unit in countries in Europe. The German environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) team will advise you on these requirements when they assess the building during delivery of an ESG benchmarking checklist and during EPC certification and review.

If necessary, the EPC assessment team can deliver a complete EPC & MEES Compliance Review during the due diligence window. They will review the current EPC performance of the asset against minimum energy efficiency standards and can provide an EPC Plus report. The ‘Plus’ report is an EPC strategic improvement report that outlines recommendations, costings, and paybacks to improve the asset’s EPC score, aligned to MEES requirements and deadlines.

Resources

Here are some resources for Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Regulations and Standards in Frankfurt, Germany:

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as in the rest of the country, an Energy Performance Certificate (Energieausweis) is mandatory when selling or renting a property. The Energieausweis provides information about the energy efficiency of a building and is a legal requirement under the Energy Saving Ordinance (Energieeinsparverordnung, EnEV).
In Frankfurt, Germany, for commercial properties, the type of Energy Performance Certificate (Energieausweis) required depends on the size and nature of the building. There are two main types of Energieausweis in Germany, and the choice between them is based on the characteristics of the property:
  1. Consumption-Based Energieausweis (Verbrauchsausweis):
    • This type of certificate is based on the actual energy consumption of the building over the past few years.
    • It is typically suitable for buildings with several residential units or commercial spaces, where individual energy consumption data is available.
  2. Demand-Based Energieausweis (Bedarfsausweis):
    • This type assesses the energy demand of the building based on its construction and technical specifications.
    • It is generally suitable for single-family homes and smaller residential buildings but can also be used for commercial properties.
For larger commercial properties, especially those with multiple tenants or complex energy consumption patterns, the Consumption-Based Energieausweis is often more practical and relevant. It provides a clearer picture of the actual energy usage in the building.
Obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate (Energieausweis) in Frankfurt, Germany, is essential for several reasons, particularly for commercial properties. Here are key reasons why obtaining an Energieausweis is crucial:
  1. Legal Requirement:
    • It is a legal obligation under the Energy Saving Ordinance (Energieeinsparverordnung, EnEV) for property owners to provide an Energy Performance Certificate when selling or renting a property. Non-compliance with this requirement can result in penalties.
  2. Transparency and Information for Stakeholders:
    • The Energieausweis provides valuable information about the energy efficiency of a commercial property. This transparency allows potential buyers or tenants to make informed decisions regarding the energy performance and associated costs.
  3. Energy Efficiency Improvement Opportunities:
    • The certificate includes recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the building. This information is valuable for property owners looking to enhance sustainability, reduce energy costs, and comply with evolving environmental standards.
  4. Market Competitiveness:
    • Commercial properties with a favorable energy efficiency rating can be more attractive in the market. In a context where environmental responsibility and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, having a positive Energieausweis rating can enhance the property's market competitiveness.
  5. Environmental Responsibility and Corporate Image:
    • Obtaining an Energieausweis aligns with broader environmental responsibility and sustainability initiatives. For businesses operating in commercial properties, showcasing a commitment to energy efficiency contributes to a positive corporate image and may align with the principles of corporate social responsibility.
  6. Financial Considerations:
    • Energy-efficient buildings often have lower operational costs, which can positively impact the financial performance of a commercial property. Investors and tenants may consider energy efficiency as a factor in their decision-making process.
For your environmental due diligence consulting firm in the commercial real estate industry, highlighting the importance of obtaining an Energieausweis to clients is crucial. It underscores your commitment to providing comprehensive assessments that consider both environmental impact and regulatory compliance, aligning with the broader industry trends towards sustainable and energy-efficient real estate practices.  

Digging Deeper

 

Learn What Makes Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in Frankfurt, Germany Different

Here’s what makes Energy Performance Certification (EPC) in Frankfurt, Germany different or unique:

Two Types of EPCs: Unlike many other European countries, Germany allows for two types of EPCs for buildings:

  • Bedarfsausweis (Demand EPC): This is the more detailed certificate, based on calculations of the building’s theoretical energy consumption under standard conditions. It takes into account factors like the building’s construction, insulation, heating system, and typical weather patterns in Frankfurt.

  • Verbrauchsausweis (Consumption EPC): This simpler certificate is based on the actual energy consumption of the building over the past three years. It’s quicker and cheaper to obtain, but may not be as accurate, especially for buildings that were recently renovated or occupied infrequently.

Focus on Existing Buildings: While many countries focus EPCs on new constructions, Frankfurt’s policy also strongly encourages EPCs for existing buildings. This is particularly important in Germany’s context, where a large portion of the housing stock is older and less energy-efficient. Incentives like tax breaks and priority access to public funding for renovations are offered to buildings with good EPC ratings.

Focus on Sustainability: Frankfurt places a strong emphasis on sustainability in its EPCs. Buildings are evaluated not just on their current energy performance but also on their potential for improvement and contribution to environmental sustainability goals. This holistic approach sets Frankfurt apart in its commitment to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

City-Specific EPC Requirements: In addition to national regulations, Frankfurt has implemented its own stricter energy efficiency requirements for buildings. This includes mandatory EPCs for all buildings undergoing major renovations, as well as stricter energy performance standards for new constructions.

Emphasis on Transparency and Public Awareness: Frankfurt has made a concerted effort to raise public awareness about EPCs and their importance for energy savings and climate protection. The city’s website provides comprehensive information about EPCs, including a searchable database of certified buildings.

Role as a Vorbild: As a major financial and economic center, Frankfurt is seen as a Vorbild (pioneer) city in Germany for its progressive energy policies. Its approach to EPCs has been adopted by other cities and municipalities across the country, contributing to a nationwide push for improved energy efficiency in buildings.

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