If you’re searching for a new home, you’ll often encounter information about the energy rating of a property, shown on its energy certificate. Under the Building Act—which governs energy certification in the Republic of Croatia—the owner of a building or its individual section must obtain an energy certificate. We spoke with licensed energy certifier Mr. Josip Đukić to learn more about this document and the certification process.
What is a building energy certificate?
An energy certificate is a document presenting two energy classes of the building: its actual energy performance and the reference minimum requirements. In essence, the energy certificate is like a “health record” for your house or apartment. Buildings are classified into one of eight categories (A+, A, B, C, D, E, F, G). A+ is the most energy-efficient, while G is the least. An A+ home is “completely healthy” with low heating demand, while a G-rated building is “sick,” requiring diagnosis and treatment due to very high heating consumption. A key part of the certificate includes recommendations on how to improve energy performance. Tenants or owners should pay close attention—otherwise they may end up paying much more for heating or cooling, possibly equating to a monthly salary difference each year.
When is it required?
You need one in several situations: before the issuance of occupancy permits (unless otherwise specified by law), and before selling, renting, leasing, or subleasing a property or part of it. You must give the certificate (or a copy) to the buyer, tenant, lessee, and include the energy class in advertising material. Recently, many older building owners have opted to renovate via the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, which also requires a valid certificate.
How do you obtain a certificate?
In Croatia, energy certificates are issued by authorized energy assessors. They conduct an on-site inspection, data analysis, calculations, and then create an energy report, after which the certificate is issued through the Ministry’s Information System. If selling your home, you must hire a certifier—it’s legally mandatory.
What is the certification process?
After deciding to market your property, contact an energy certifier and schedule an on-site inspection. During the inspection, the assessor collects data for analysis and calculation per methodology. Following that, they prepare an energy report and initiate the issuance of the certificate. The result is both an energy certificate and report.
Are any properties exempt?
Typically, if a building is incomplete or under construction, it does not require a certificate. If a building already has a valid certificate, you don’t need a separate one for each individual unit.
How long does it take?
The entire process, depending on property size, usually takes between 7 and 14 days.
How long is the certificate valid?
The document is valid for ten years from the date of issuance.
