What is an energy certificate?

The Energy Certificate Act and Statute entered into force in Finland on 1 January 2008. The Act has been applied to buildings constructed before the Act coming into effect as of the beginning of 2009.

The energy certificate is a tool for consumers to compare the energy efficiency of buildings. The energy certificate states the amount of energy that is required for a building to be used in the manner for which it has been constructed.

In order to enable assessment and comparison of energy efficiency with other buildings of the same type, properties are given an energy rating on a scale of A to G. A category A property consumes the least energy and a category G property the most. The heating method used in properties does not influence their energy rating.

Improving the energy efficiency of a building is first and foremost a benefit for the property owner: the less energy the property consumes, the more the owner will save.

When do you need to have an energy certificate?

All new buildings are required to have an energy certificate. The certificate will be issued by the building’s main designing architect. As of the beginning of 2009, buildings constructed previously also have to have an energy certificate when the property, or a part of it, is to be sold or rented. However, the certificate is not mandatory for detached houses, residential buildings with six or less flats, and groups of residential buildings that were constructed before the Act entered into force (before 1 January 2008). Furthermore, the energy certificate is not mandatory for industrial buildings and holiday homes that are used for four months or less per year.

Drafting an energy certificate and the certificate’s validity

An energy certificate can be issued when applying for a building permit or in connection with an energy survey, as an appendix to the house manager’s certificate or as a separate certificate. An energy certificate issued in connection with applying the building permit is valid for four years in the case of residential buildings with more than six apartments, commercial buildings, and service buildings. Energy certificates are valid for ten years when issued in connection with building permits for residential buildings with up to six flats, with separate energy certificates, and with energy certificates issued in connection with an energy survey.

Further information

For further information on energy certificates, please visit the website of the Ministry of the Environment.