It is likely that you have reached this page after you have learnt that you require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), probably while you intend to sell or hire your property or because you are responsible of a public building. If you do not know what is involved or what this assessment will produce, this page will explain all you need to know about Energy Performance Certificates.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that gives a rating of the energy efficiency of a building. It is produced after a professional assessment of the property. It is a requirement of an EU directive, namely the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive 2002/91/EC) and Maltese Law, specifically the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, 2008 (LN 261/2008).
An EPC also outlines recommendations which help to improve the building's energy performance. Implementing these can lead to lower energy bills and reduced carbon deposits.
The assessment does not give a pass or fail result. It only serves to indicate the energy efficiency of the building in similarity to the energy labels on appliances. It is unlikely that the energy efficiency rating of your building will have an impact on the value of your property. However, it may be a tool when selling property. At times when energy costs are a concern, properties that are greener and cheaper to run are more attractive to potential buyers.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required for:
This page also contains information about:
New Built Properties and Building Permit Applications
For all applications for new buildings, the developer requires an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) based on the design rating at the time when a full development permission application is submitted to the Malta Planning and Environment Authority (MEPA).
For apartments or buildings designed for separate use in blocks that do not have a common water heating, space heating or space cooling system, the EPC shall be issued for each individual dwelling unit.
A building being sold on-plan, requires a predictive form of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on the design rating of the building. If the property is built before it is sold, then an Energy Performance Certificate based on the asset rating of the building is required. It is the obligation of the seller to produce the certificate and it must be handed to the prospective buyer within the period of the promise of sale (konvenju) or at the time of signing the contract of sale.
If this is not done, the law authorises the buyer to commission his own certificate and deduct all the expenses from the agreed selling price of the property.
Existing Residential Properties
For existing houses, maisonettes and apartments, you do not require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) unless you intend to market your property for sale or hire. However, it is always beneficial to assess how much energy your property consumes and identify possible room for energy and cost savings. In that case, it is suggested that you conduct an Energy Audit on your property. Please visit our Energy Audits page for more information on how you can lower your energy bills.
If you intend to sell or hire your property, however, you need to provide an EPC for your property within the period of the promise of sale (konvenju) or at the time of signing the sale (or hire) contract. Failing this, the buyer has the right to engage his own assessor and deduct the expenses from the agreed sum or from the rent due.
For existing commercial banks, post offices, large showrooms and shops, cinemas, discotheques, gambling halls, wedding halls and any other large building providing service to 500 persons a day, an Energy Performance Certificate based on the asset rating is required to be displayed in a prominent place in the building by the 2nd January 2010.
New public places, as mentioned above, require an Energy Performance Certificate within one year of being connected to the Enemalta supply.
Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
Boilers used for space and/or water heating require to be inspected and certified by an independent assessor. Existing boiler installations require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by the 2nd January 2010. New boiler installations require to be energy certified within 28 days of commissioning.
Air conditioning installations have to be inspected and certified by an independent assessor as well. Existing systems greater than 250kW need to be certified by the 2nd January 2010, whilst system larger than 12kW need to be certified by the 2nd January 2011. New air conditioning installations, greater than 12kW (~40,800 BTU/h) require to be energy certified within 28 days of commissioning.
An EPC will remain valid for a number of years depending on the type of building or certificate:
- For Residential buildings, an EPC will remain valid for 10 years from the date of first issue, unless the building undergoes major renovations or alterations.
- For Public Places, the first EPC will remain valid for 5 years from date of issue. Following that period, an updated EPC is required every 3 years and is to be displayed together with the original EPC for comparison.
- In the case of Boiler Installations with an output of 20kW or greater, the EPC will remain valid for 4 years. In larger installations of 100kW or more, a new EPC is required every 2 years.
- For AC Installations, EPCs need to be renewed every 5 years.
To be valid, an EPC has to be obtained from and independent energy performance assessor accredited by the Malta Resources Authoruty (MRA). Econing specialises in providing Energy Performance Certification as required by law. For further assistance, fill in the contact form in the Contact Us page and we will get back to you with the information you require.