ISBN 0-
SANS 204-1:2007
Edition 3
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
Energy efficiency in buildings
Part 1: General provisions
Published by Standards South Africa
1 dr lategan road groenkloof  private bag x191 pretoria 0001
tel: 012 428 7911 fax: 012 344 1568 international code + 27 12
www.stansa.co.za
 Standards South Africa
SANS 204-1:2006
Edition 1
Table of changes
Change No.
Date
Scope
Acknowledgement
Standards South Africa wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance offered by the Centre for
scientific and industrial research (CSIR).
Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee StanSA SC 5120.61K,
Construction standards – Energy efficiency in buildings, in accordance with procedures of
Standards South Africa, in compliance with annex 3 of the WTO/TBT agreement.
This part of SANS 204 was published in ???? 2008.
SANS 204 consists of the following parts, under the general title Energy efficiency in buildings with
artificial or natural environmental control:
Part 1:
General provisions.
Part 2: The application of the general provisions of energy efficiency requirements for buildings
with natural environmental control, excluding Category 1 houses..
Part 3: The application of the general provisions of energy efficiency requirements for buildings
with artificial environmental control.
Part 4: The application of the general provisions of energy efficiency requirements for Category 1
houses
Introduction
This intention of this Standard is to provide a National Mode of Acceptable Practice for Cost, Energy
and Environmentally Effective Building Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance,
Products, Systems and Professional Services be developed according to the targets outlined in the
National Energy Efficiency Strategy for South Africa set by South African Department of Minerals
and Energy (DME).
The motivation for energy efficiency in buildings in the South African situation :
 The consumption of finite resources should be reduced in order to ensure a transition to
renewable resources
 CO2 and other pollutants need to be reduced substantially
 Running costs of buildings must be controlled
 The structure of buildings should be protected and preserved
 Value is added through energy efficiency measures
 Comfort can be enhanced
 Productivity and competitiveness can be improved
 Sustainable jobs are created while the existing infrastructure is retained .
This standard provides a framework for integrated planning and design of energy usage in
buildings, which is a fundamental aspect for sustainable building construction.
This standard is intended to enable designers to design buildings, constructors to construct and
commission buildings and their sub-systems, owners to operate and manage their buildings in an
energy efficient manner.
Other South African regulations may govern building design, engineering services and energy use
(e.g., ventilation and natural light).
SANS 204 places the following priorities for the design process, minimize energy demand, use
energy effectively and source sustainable energy.
Buildings that are listed as “heritage buildings” by the relevant Authority are not covered under this
Standard.
Responsibility for achieving compliance with the requirements of SANS 204 rests with the building
owner. The competent person(s) shall provide a report to the building owner that indicates the
design, construction, inspection and commissioning work complies with SANS 204.
Designers are encouraged to incorporate into their design all latest demand side management
(DSM) programs available in order to reduce the building maximum demand and the electrical
energy consumption.
SANS 204-1:2007
Edition 3
Contents
Page
Acknowledgement
Foreword
1 Scope .....................................................................................................................................
3
2 Normative references .............................................................................................................
3
3 Definitions ..............................................................................................................................
4
4 General requirements ............................................................................................................
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14
Building envelope ..........................................................................................................
Electrical installation ......................................................................................................
HVAC installation ..........................................................................................................
Hot water installation .....................................................................................................
Vertical transport ............................................................................................................
Natural environmental control ........................................................................................
Renewable energy sources ...........................................................................................
Operation and maintenance of buildings .......................................................................
Compliance ....................................................................................................................
Verification of compliance ..............................................................................................
Occupancy .....................................................................................................................
Inspection and commissioning of the building services systems ...................................
Certificate and testing ....................................................................................................
Climatic zones ................................................................................................................
4
5 Performance requirements ....................................................................................................
Annex A (normative) Building operation and maintenance ....................................................
Annex B (informative) Proforma compliance certificate
Annex C (informative) Energy Efficiency Certificate for Environmentally Controlled Buildings
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SANS 204-1:2007
Edition 3
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Energy efficiency in buildings with artificial or natural environmental
control
Part 1: General provisions
1 Scope
This part of SANS 204 specifies the requirements for the design and operation of energy efficient
buildings with artificial or natural environmental control and their sub-systems.
2 Normative references
All normative documents are subject to revision and any reference to a normative document is
deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that document, parties to agreements based on
this document are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most recent editions of the
normative documents indicated below. Information on currently valid national and international
standards can be obtained from Standards South Africa.
SANS 151, Fixed electric storage water heaters.
SANS 204-2, Energy efficiency in buildings with artificial or natural environmental control – Part 2
Application of energy efficiency provisions in buildings with natural environmental control
SANS 204-3, Energy efficiency in buildings with artificial or natural environmental control – Part 3
Application of energy efficiency provisions in buildings with artificial environmental control
SANS 204-4, Energy efficiency in buildings with artificial or natural environmental control – Part 4
Application of energy efficiency provisions in Category 1 houses
SANS 1307, Domestic solar water heaters
SANS 10106, The installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of domestic solar
water heating systems
SANS 10114-1, Interior lighting – Part 1: Artificial lighting
SANS 10142, The wiring of premises Part 1: Low-voltage installations
SANS 10254, The installation, maintenance, replacement and repair of fixed electric storage water
heating systems
SANS 10400-A, The application of the National Building Regulations Part A: General principles and
requirements.
SANS 10400-O, The application of the National Building Regulations Part O: Lighting and
ventilation.
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004, Energy standard for buildings except low rise residential
buildings.
BSRIA Commissioning Guides 52
ASHRAE Guideline 1
CIBSE Commissioning Codes
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3 Definitions
For the purposes of this document, definitions given in SANS 10400-A, and the following definitions
apply.
3.1
artificial environmental control
movement of air through artificial means
3.2
natural environmental control
movement of air through natural causes
3.3
competent person (mechanical or electrical engineer)
competent person who is registered in terms of the Engineering Professions Act, 2000 (Act No. 46
of 2000) and has a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) in mechanical or electrical engineering
3.4
Nett/floor area
Total internal area of a building when measured on the inside of the perimeter walls
3.5
rational assessment
assessment by a competent person of the adequacy of the performance of a solution in relation to
requirements by a process of reasoning, calculation and consideration of accepted engineering
principles, based on a combination of deductions from available information, research and data,
appropriate testing and service experience
3.6
rational design
any design by a competent person involving a process of reasoning and calculation and may
include any such design based on the use of a code of practice or other relevant technical
document
3.7
responsible person
owner of the building or person acting on his behalf
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4. General requirements
4.1 Building envelope and fabric
4.1.1 The building envelope shall be designed in a manner that optimises thermal loads for
effective, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) energy consumption , plant and
systems size and lighting (artificial and day lighting) requirements. Consideration should be given
to;
a) lifecycle costs of the building, and
b) operational and occupancy time, especially for building sections that require occupation at other
than normal working hours.
4.1.2 The building fabric shall incorporate thermal elements and other parts that ensures an
acceptable heat loss and gain.
4.2. Electrical installation and Appliances
All fixed electrical systems in buildings, including lighting, shall be installed in accordance with the
provisions of SANS 10142, SANS 10114-1 and SANS 10400-O. Appliances fitted into new
buildings shall have an energy rating. Office equipment shall have an energy rating and have a
stand-by energy reduction mode when not in use.
4.3 HVAC installations
HVAC systems in buildings shall,
a) comply with the provisions of SANS 10400-O, and
b) be designed in a manner that limits heat loss and heat gain from pipes, ducts and vessels used
for space heating, space cooling and hot water services.
4.4 Hot water installations
4.4.1 The use of electric hot water systems shall be discouraged. Where these systems are used,
they shall comply with the requirements of SANS 151 and be installed in accordance with SANS
10254.
4.4.2 Where technically feasible, solar water systems shall be installed. Solar water heaters shall
comply with the requirements of SANS 1307 and be installed in accordance with SANS 10106.
4.5 Vertical transport and travelators
Motors driving vertical transport (such as lifts and escalators) and travelators fitted into new
buildings shall be energy efficient and have an energy rating. The capacity of these motors shall
match the required output.
4.6 Natural environmental control
Buildings with natural environmental control shall meet the requirements of SANS 10400-O.
Passive design principles shall be applied where possible.
4.7 Renewable energy sources
The responsible person shall ensure that the use of renewable energy sources in buildings is
maximized.
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4.8 Operation and maintenance of buildings
Operation and maintenance of buildings and their systems, shall meet the provisions of Annex A.
4.9 Compliance
Compliance with the provisions of this standard shall be through
a) a rational design prepared by a competent person, ensuring that the maximum energy demand
(table 2) and the maximum annual consumption (table3) is not exceeded for that occupancy of
building or,
b) compliance with SANS 204-2, SANS 204-3 or SANS 204-4.
In case of any change requiring plan approval, a rational assessment shall be carried out.
4.10 Verification of compliance
The responsible person shall provide a certificate (refer to proformer certificate, Annex B) to the
local authority, on completion of the project (as a prerequisite for the occupancy certificate), and
one year after completion of the project (post occupancy stage), and periodically thereafter as
determined by the local authority, that the provisions meet the requirements, and that the energy
utilization of the building is in accordance with the requirements of this standard.
4.11 Occupancy
4.11.1. The occupancy of any building shall be classified and designated according to the
appropriate occupancy class as provided in SANS 10400-A; and such classification shall reflect the
primary function of such building. Provided that, in any building divided into two or more areas not
having the same primary function, the occupancy of each such area shall be separately classified.
4.11.2 The population of any room or storey or portion thereof shall be taken as the actual
Population of such room, storey or portion where such population is known or, where such
population is not known, the population shall be calculated from the criteria given in Table 1 below
and SANS 10400 Part A. The calculations of the maximum energy demand and consumption must
be based on the reference occupancies and occupancy times as given in Table 1.
4.11.3 The route for compliance is given in Table 1.
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Table 1 – Design Occupancy Times, building classification and compliance methods
Occupancy
building
A1
of
Description
Design occupancy times
Hours per day/days per week
18/7
Compliance methods
18/7
Table 2 & 3
12/5
6/4
Table 2 & 3 or Deemed-tosatisfy
Table 2 & 3 or Deemed-tosatisfy
Exempt
A3
Entertainment
and
public assembly
Theatrical and indoor
sport
Places of instruction
A4
Worship
A5
Outdoor sport
B1
High risk commercial
building
Moderate risk
commercial service
Low risk commercial
service
12/5
Rational Assessment
12/5
Rational Assessment
12/5
Rational Assessment
C1
C2
Exhibition Hall
Museum
15/7
12/7
Deemed-to-satisfy
Deemed-to-satisfy
D1
D2
D3
D4
High risk industrial
Moderate risk industrial
Low risk industrial
Plant room
12/5
12/5
12/5
12/5
Rational Assessment
Rational Assessment
Rational Assessment
Rational Assessment
E1
E2
Place of detention
Hospital
24/7
24/7
E3
Other institutional
(Residential)
24/7
Deemed-to-satisfy
Rational Assessment or
Deemed-to-satisfy
Deemed-to-satisfy
F1
Large shop
12/7
F2
F3
Small Shop
Wholesalers’ Store
12/7
12/7
G1
Offices
12/5
Table 2 & 3 or Deemed-tosatisfy
H1
Hotel
24/7
H2
H3
H4
Dormitory
Domestic residence
Dwelling House
12/7
24/7
24/7
Table 2 & 3 or Deemed-tosatisfy
Deemed-to-satisfy
Deemed-to-satisfy
Deemed-to-satisfy
J1
J2
J3
J4
High risk storage
Moderate risk storage
Low risk storage
Parking garage
12/5
12/5
12/5
12/5
Rational Assessment
Rational Assessment
Rational Assessment
Rational Assessment
A2
B2
B3
Table 2 & 3 or Deemed-tosatisfy
Deemed-to-satisfy
Deemed-to-satisfy
Note: Occupancy per building as per SANS 10400 Part A
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Table 2 & 3
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4.11.3 In the case of any occupancy classified as F1 where the total floor area is
more than 500 m², that portion of the floor area that is in excess of 500 m² shall, for the purposes of
calculation of the population, be reduced by an amount of 20 %.
4.11.4 Buildings or classes of occupancy where artificial climate control is introduced to meet the
requirements of the processes housed within shall also be exempted from the provisions for
maximum energy demand or consumption.
4.11.5 Where an occupancy or building is not expected to meet the maximum energy demand or
maximum energy consumption requirements for reasons of one or more of the following;
 Occupancy significantly exceeds the design population
 Occupancy times significantly exceed the design occupancy times
 Internal process loads are high (i.e. IT Facility),
the competent person shall motivate with a rational design, an increase in the maximum demand
and maximum annual consumption figures applicable.
4.12. Inspection and commissioning of the building services systems
The responsible person shall ensure that the building services system has been inspected for
compliance with the provisions of this part of SANS 204, before it is commissioned.
4.13. Certificates and testing
4.13.1 The responsible person responsible for achieving compliance shall provide a certificate or
declaration to the local authority, on completion of the project (Pre occupancy stage), and one year
after completion of the project (post occupancy stage), that the energy utilisation of the building is in
accordance with the requirements of this part of SANS 204. (See annex B)
4.13.2. Such a certificate or declaration shall state:
a) that appropriate design details and building techniques have been used and that the work
has been carried out in compliance with the provisions of this part of SANS 204; and
b) a commissioning plan that shows that every system has been inspected and commissioned
in an acceptable sequence.
NOTE A way of demonstrating compliance would be to follow the guidance in the CIBSE Commissioning
Codes, BSRIA Commissioning Guides52, or the ASHRAE Guideline 1; The HVAC Commissioning Process.
c) the results of the tests confirming that performance is reasonably in accordance with the
approved designs including written commentaries where excursions are proposed to be
accepted.
d) that the energy consumption, load factor and power factor of the building, after occupancy of
one year, is in accordance with this part of SANS 204, and that all electrical and mechanical
installations are being utilised, operated as originally designed and that are being maintained in
accordance with acceptable practice.
4.13.3 The local authority may accept such certificates as evidence of compliance. The local
authority may, however, wish to establish, in advance of the work, that any person who will be
providing such a certificate is a competent person.
Note: The building should have a label identifying the energy efficiency characteristics. The
Building Energy Efficiency Certificate, Energy Efficiency Passport or Label is a system to certify the
energy efficiency of a given existing, new or envisaged building in an objective and consistent
manner. (See annex C).
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4.14 Climatic zones
The maximum energy demand and consumption per building classification shall be established in
accordance with the climatic zones as per figure 1.
Climate Zones: Major Centers
Zone Number
Description
Major Centers
Zone 1
Cold Interior
Johannesburg, Bloemfontein
Zone 2
Temperature Interior
Pretoria, Polokwane
Zone 3
Hot Interior
Louis Trichardt, Nelspruit
Zone 4
Temperature Coastal
Cape Town, Port Elizabeth
Zone 5
Sub-tropical Coastal
East London, Durban, Richards Bay
Zone 6
Arid Interior
Upington, Kimberley
Figure 1 - Climatic Zone Map
5 Performance requirements
5.1 Maximum demand and annual consumption by climatic zone
The maximum power demand for each building classification shall be as per its location within the
climatic zone as per figure 1 and tables 2 and 3. These climatic zones shall be used in defining the
maximum energy demand that vary by climate.
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Table 2 – Maximum energy demand per building classification for each
climatic zone
Occupancy or
building
A1
A2
A3
A4
Description
Zone
1
Entertainment and public
assembly
Theatrical and indoor
sport
Places of instruction
Worship
10
Maximum energy demand
2
VA/m
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
2
3
4
5
Zone
6
85
80
90
80
80
85
85
80
90
80
80
85
80
80
75
75
85
85
75
75
75
75
80
80
F1
Large shop (including
shopping malls)
90
85
95
85
85
90
G1
Offices
80
75
85
75
75
80
H1
Hotel
90
85
95
85
85
90
The maximum demand shall be based on the sum of 12 consecutive monthly maximum demand
values per area divided by twelve.
Table 3 – Maximum annual consumption per building classification for each climatic zone
Occupancy or
building
A1
A2
A3
A4
Description
Zone
1
Entertainment and public
assembly
Theatrical and indoor
sport
Places of instruction
Worship
Maximum energy consumption
2
kWh/m pa
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
2
3
4
5
6
420
400
440
390
400
420
420
400
440
390
400
420
420
120
400
115
440
125
390
110
400
115
420
120
F1
Large shop (including
shopping malls)
240
245
260
240
260
255
G1
Offices
200
190
210
185
190
200
H1
Hotel
650
600
585
600
620
630
2
The annual consumption per m shall be based on the sum of 12 months monthly consumption of
consecutive months.
Non electrical consumption, such as fossil fuels shall be accounted for on a thermal equivalence
basis, i.e. convert MJ to KWH
5.2 Building electrical power factor correction
The total power factor for any circuit shall not be less than 0.95.
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Annex A
(normative)
Building operation and maintenance
A.1. Emergency Maintenance
Emergency maintenance can hardly be regarded as maintenance in the sense that, in many cases,
it consists of an urgent repair to, or replacement of, electrical equipment that has ceased to function
effectively. Obviously, it is better to follow a rigorous 'Planned Maintenance Programme' for all
essential electrical power distribution installations and equipment in buildings to reduce the
frequency of emergency maintenance tasks.
A.2. Planned Maintenance
In the use of electrical plant and equipment there are obviously sources of danger recognised in
SANS 10142. These regulations are mandatory and serve to ensure that all electrical plants and
equipment are adequately maintained and tested to prevent any dangerous situation arising that
could harm the users of such equipment or the building occupants. Normally, maintenance carried
out solely for safety reasons will be covered by standard procedures, which in some instances will
have to fulfill the relevant Standard of Practice for the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations.
Planned maintenance shall be carried out on the basis of the operation of the piece of
Electrical/Mechanical equipment itself. For example, it is worth considering whether all electric
motors should be periodically cleaned and inspected, making sure that dirt and dust has not
interfered with the self cooling of the motor and that there is no oil leakage into the motor's
windings. Bearings should also be checked for wear and tear to prevent contact between the rotor
and stator. Maintenance shall also be based on the complete item of plant, or auxiliary plant, such
as the central air conditioning plant of a building.
A.3. Purpose of Maintenance
Apart from safety, maintenance is needed to keep plant in an acceptable condition. Maintenance of
this kind must be reviewed on an economic and energy efficiency basis. While it is appreciated that
breakdown of plant may result in costly interruption of normal building operation, it must also be
borne in mind that stopping plant for maintenance can also cause a loss in production. Equipment
on continuous and arduous duty, e.g. switchboards, motor control centres, air-handling units, chiller
plant etc., require more attention than that which is lightly loaded and rarely used.
A.4. Economic and Energy Efficiency of maintenance
Apart from the above considerations there will be the question of whether to repair or replace faulty
equipment. This requires analysis of the past and future maintenance costs and the benefits of new
equipment. There has been much operational research carried out into such things as the
probability of breakdown, replacement and repair limits, and overhaul policies. This obviously
requires considerable effort and expertise and may need the services of a specialist consultant.
However, some simple initial steps can be taken as far as the economic and energy efficiency is
concerned for maintenance of electrical equipment in buildings.
A.5. Standardisation of Equipment
The use as far as possible of standard items such as switchgear will help both in buying,
stockholding and replacement of components on the most economic and convenient basis.
A.6. Establishment of Records on Breakdown
Initially this may be on a simple logbook or card system. This information should give some idea of
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which plant requires attention and at what intervals. It may also lead to
improvements to the plant itself, which will reduce the frequency of future failures.
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A.7. Frequency of Maintenance
This requires careful organization to ensure that it fits in with operational requirements. All planned
maintenance should therefore have been agreed with the relevant operation manager prior to
implementation.
A.8. Economic of Routine Maintenance
It may not be economic or practical to include some equipment in a scheduled routine although
safety inspections will still need to be carried out. Examples of low priority maintenance are
equipment that is not subject to breakdown, e.g. electric heater, and equipment that would cause
little or no interference with operational routine and could be repair or replaced at any time.
In some cases it may be found that as little as 25% of the plant needs to be maintained on a
scheduled routine throughout the year. While the setting up of a successful maintenance operation
is not an easy task, the economic advantages can be considerable.
A.9. Upgrading to More Efficient Plant
Energy saving can be achieved by changing the type of equipment in use, for example;
• Replacement of less efficient lamps with more energy efficient lamps, Replacing
electro-mechanical control devices to electronic systems.
• Installing new high efficiency motors to replace old motors particularly where extended
duty operations prevail.
• Retrofitting VSD’s for flow control of fans or pumps. The economics of changing inefficient existing
systems, which are continuing to provide a satisfactory operational performance, obviously requires
careful consideration. Not only the costs of new equipment need to be understood, but also
equipment life can have a significant impact on the overall financial viability of any proposed
changes.
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Annex B
(informative)
Proforma compliance certificate
To (appropriate Local Authority)
Plan Submission Reference:
Name of Project:
Street Address:
Erf. Number:
Electricity Supply Account Number:
Climatic Zone:
(as per Figure 1 SANS 204-1: 2006)
Stage
(as per paragraph 4.13.1 of SANS 204-1:2006)
(Stipulate which of: Pre Occupancy (on Project Completion) Post Occupancy (one year after
Occupancy Certificate))
Building Occupancies and Areas
Occupancy as per
Table 1 of SANS 2041:2006
Nett/floor Area m²
It is hereby certified that the building described above has been evaluated (if Pre Occupancy) or
verified (if Post Occupancy) to comply with the requirements of SANS 204-1:2006 and that the
performance requirements are evaluated (if Pre Occupancy) or verified (if Post Occupancy) as
follows;
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Maximum Energy Demand and Maximum Energy Consumption
Occupancy
as per Table
1 of SANS
204-1:2006
Maximum
Energy
Demand kVA
Maximum
Energy
Demand
kVA/m²
Maximum
Annual
consumption
kWh/annum
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Other Energy
Sources kWh
Equivalent
kWh/annum
List of other energy sources and Annual kWh Equivalent
Energy Source
Annual kWh Equivalent
Power factor as verified (entire building)
(If Pre Occupancy)
The method used to evaluate the building energy requirement is;
(e.g. Program used, details of methodology, any assumptions)
(If Post Occupancy)
The evaluation method is;
(e.g. Electrical billing records, energy monitoring)
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Maximum
Energy
Consumption
kWh/m² per
annum
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Annex C
(informative)
Energy Efficiency Certificate for Environmentally Controlled buildings
This annexure provides guidance for municipal Energy Efficiency certificates or alternatively
provides a default format for municipalities who have not passed regulations or by-laws to effect
controls on energy usage.
The document is structured under the headings Definition of Energy Certificate and Scope, Aims,
Accreditation, Methodologies for Evaluation.
Definition and Scope
The Building Energy Efficiency Certificate, Energy Efficiency Passport or Label is a system to certify
the energy efficiency of a given existing, new or envisaged building in an objective and consistent
manner.
It accounts for a building’s
 shape
 orientation
 fabric, including thermal resistance, bridges and storage, windows design, atria and air
tightness
 technology for heating, cooling, hot water and artificial lighting.
It uniquely identifies the energy efficiency characteristics of a building, not the user’s
performance, nor the effects of incidental weather deviations.
As the main feature, it contains a clearly defined annual primary energy usage per square metre of
conditioned area also presented in terms of useful energy and Green House Gases. This is
presented on a graph scaled from 0 (green) to 1 000kWh/m².a (dark red). Also shown on the same
scale are typical values for buildings that satisfy the latest norms .
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Figure 1 - Energy Efficiency Label for non-residential buildings.
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Information required:
1. The Annual Energy Usage per square meter of conditioned area
2. The primary energy use and the CO2 emissions are stated.
3. Further details are the address (photograph optional)
4. Building use (office, hotel, residence etc)
5. A breakdown of energy services (heating, hot water, cooling, lighting) and energy carrier (coal,
oil, gas, electricity, solar, wind, hydro etc).
6. The document also contains building specific suggestions on potential energy efficiency
improvements.
Finally, the energy efficiency certificate bears the signature and contact details of the person who
issued it (issuer), and the authority under which the issuer issues the certificate, or the prescribed
qualifications of the issuer.
Explanatory notes:
It should be stressed that the Energy Efficiency Certificate represents a notional value that allows
and encourages the comparison of existing, new and planned buildings. Therefore, it does not, and
should not, reflect the variable effects of exceptional occupancies, individual users’ actions, weather
deviations or energy price fluctuations.
It is comparable to the EU Energy Label for White Goods, which helps the supply side and the
demand side of the market to make informed choices.
The aims of the Energy Certificate
The Energy Efficiency Certificate (Passport, Label) aims to
 Inform prospective tenants and buyers of the buildings about the energy costs, thereby
elevating energy efficiency in buildings to the status of a differentiator impacting on building
value and rentals;
 Create investor incentives for energy efficiency measures by the public and private
sectors;
 Initiate activities through independent guidance;
 Support optimal execution through informed choices and a reference system;
 Protect the consumer in the national and global perspective.
Hence the Energy Certificate should be






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User-friendly
Clear
Realistic
Transparent
Cost-effective
Informative and advisory
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