Why do I need an energy pass?
Due to the implementation in Austria of the so-called Energy
Pass Act (EAVG) in compliance with the EU Energy Performance
of Buildings Directive, an energy pass is required for all
new buildings.
From 1.1.2009, you are also required to present an energy
pass when selling or letting existing buildings, commercial
property and offices.
What is an energy pass?
An energy pass provides details of the projected energy consumption
of a property and relates solely to the construction of the
building and not its intended use.
Comparable with the logbook of a vehicle (model, engine performance,
etc.), an energy pass details, among other aspects, the construction
and the heating of a building under standardised conditions
– similar to the mileage performance achieved by a vehicle.
Depending on the usage of the building (room temperature,
ventilation habits, number of inhabitants, etc.), the actual
values may vary from those calculated. The application of
standardised conditions nonetheless allows energy pass values
to be compared with those of other properties objectively.
The energy pass is based on information relating to the shell
of the building, the heating system, ventilation, hot water
heating and the energy sources used. In addition to this detailed
information, an energy pass also contains a classification
on the first page which can easily be understood by non-experts;
this is similar to the energy-use classification system used
for household electrical appliances.
The energy pass also contains suggestions for possible modernisation
and renovation work.
What advantages does an energy pass offer?
An energy pass offers real estate companies and property
owners the following advantages:
• It provides details of the technical condition of a building
• It provides a basis for an objective comparison of properties
in terms of energy
requirements and energy efficiency.
• It therefore increases the degree of transparency in the
real estate market
• It contains suggestions for modernising and renovating buildings
• It makes an active contribution toward environmental protection
An energy pass may only be issued by suitably authorised and
qualified experts and companies (engineering offices, civil
engineers, etc.) and contains the following information:
• General data regarding the relevant building (type of building,
building zone, year of
construction and address)
• A classification of the building in terms of an energy efficiency
rating ranging from A++ (best
classification) to G (worst classification)
• Details of the issuer and validity period (max. 10 years)
• Detailed building and climatic data
• Detailed information regarding the heating, cooling and energy requirements
• A comprehensive technical report plus an annex with the
raw data and recommendations
for renovation work to improve energy efficiency.
What an energy pass can’t do:
An energy pass provides details of average energy consumption
levels based on numerous parameters and under standardised conditions.
It does not, however, provide any conclusions regarding actual
energy requirements since these are heavily dependent on the
use of the building (for example, an increase in the room
temperature of 1°C requires an additional 5-7% energy while
incorrect ventilation is often the cause of significantly
higher energy consumption).
Energy passes as a basis for grants
Thewosan
An energy pass is also important for property owners when
applying for grants. Appropriate grants can be obtained assuming
that minimum energy saving levels can be proven as a result
of thermal renovation work.
The aim of the so-called Thewosan (thermal renovation of residential
units) grants is to contribute towards improving the environmental
situation by means of reducing air pollution and CO2 emissions.
The additional benefit for building users is the reduction
in heating costs.
Different grant models apply depending on the province in
which the property is located and how it is used.
Please contact us for more information on grants and assistance
in preparing the necessary documentation (grant applications,
technical documentary evidence, etc.).
 (We
work in close cooperation with TÜV Austria Consult in this
field)
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