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6.7.2023
Energy certificate

Difference between the consumption certificate and the demand certificate: Why the demand certificate makes more sense

The energy efficiency of buildings is an important factor that influences both the environmental impact and the financial burden on owners. When selling or renting a property, it is often necessary to present an energy performance certificate. There are two types of energy performance certificates: the consumption certificate and the demand certificate. In this article, we will explain the difference between the two certificates and why the demand certificate makes more sense in most cases.

Consumption certificate

The energy consumption certificate is based on a building's actual consumption data. It shows the property's energy consumption over a specific period, usually the last three years. The energy consumption certificate takes into account factors such as heating energy, hot water production, and energy consumption for ventilation and air conditioning.

The advantage of the consumption certificate is that it is based on real consumption data, which is relatively easy to determine. It is inexpensive and quick to create. However, the consumption certificate only provides information about a building's current energy consumption and does not provide any information about the building's overall energy efficiency. Actual energy consumption can also depend on individual user habits, so it can vary depending on different usage patterns.

Demand certificate

In contrast, the requirement certificate takes into account the energy status of a building and determines how much energy is required to achieve the desired comfort standard. The demand certificate takes into account various building parameters such as the building envelope, insulation, heating system and other energy-related aspects. It is based on standardized calculations that determine the building's energy requirements under standardized conditions.

The advantage of the requirement certificate is that it enables a holistic assessment of the building and reflects the actual energy status. It shows potential savings and provides information on what measures can be taken to improve energy efficiency. Although the requirement certificate is more complex and more expensive to produce than the consumption certificate, it provides a sound basis for targeted refurbishment measures and long-term cost savings.

Why the demand certificate makes more sense

Compared to the consumption certificate, the demand certificate provides a more meaningful assessment of the energy quality of a building. The requirement certificate not only provides information on current energy consumption, but also on possible savings and improvements. This is particularly relevant when it comes to lowering energy consumption and reducing operating costs in the long term.

In addition, the requirement certificate enables targeted planning of refurbishment measures. The detailed analysis of the energy status of the building allows weak points to be identified and effective measures to be taken to increase energy efficiency. This not only reduces energy consumption, but also improves living comfort and increases the value of the property.

The demand certificate is also advantageous for new buildings, as it can already be used in the planning phase to design an energy-efficient and sustainable building. By taking energy requirements into account in the design phase, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions can be implemented.

Another aspect that speaks in favor of the requirement certificate is its informative value and recognition when selling or renting. A building with a good requirement certificate can be seen as more attractive, as it indicates high energy efficiency and low operating costs. This can have a positive effect on the marketing and sale price of the property.

Conclusion

The consumption certificate is cost-effective and is based on current consumption data. Nevertheless, the demand certificate offers a more meaningful assessment of the energy quality of a building and enables targeted refurbishment measures to improve energy efficiency. The requirement certificate takes into account the energy status of the building and provides information on possible savings and improvements.

When deciding on an energy performance certificate, it is advisable to choose the requirement certificate, as it provides a sound basis for energy-related refurbishment measures and enables long-term cost savings. An energy-efficient property not only increases living comfort, but also the value of the property and contributes to sustainable development.

Get advice. Qualified energy consultants will help you obtain the right energy certificate for your building and work with you to develop customized solutions for improved energy efficiency.

We at Purpose Green can help you with this! Contact us now .

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Purpose Green is one of the leading German climate tech companies based in Berlin, transforming the building sector with comprehensive end-to-end solutions for energy-efficient refurbishment and ESG-led asset management. Purpose Green is the only company in Germany to offer a holistic, modular, combinable approach for the real estate sector: its own Green+ portal links intelligent software solutions with specialist ESG and energy consulting as well as operational construction management.

Real estate owners, managers and institutional funds thus receive tailored support in the transformation of apartment buildings, residential and commercial buildings as well as office buildings - both at individual property and portfolio level. In this way, Purpose Green enables individual sustainability goals to be achieved efficiently, CO₂ emissions to be significantly reduced and properties to be future-proofed in terms of value retention and sustainable value appreciation.

Purpose Green was founded in 2023 by Okitonga Memba and the brothers Lucas and Lennart Christel. Backed by leading early-stage investors such as Speedinvest, Atlantic Labs and Fifth Wall, Purpose Green is driving sustainable change to decarbonize the real estate sector.

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