ᐅ Building Energy Act Calculations – Are They Required? And Who Prepares Them?

Created on: 14 Jun 2022 23:22
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Elias_dee
Hello friends,

So far, we do not have an energy performance certificate or calculation for our new build (single-family house, not for rental). The architect planned with 36.5 bricks, there is a ground-source heat pump, and a central ventilation system with heat recovery.

The general contractor building for us says they never do the energy performance calculation.

The expert we hired to inspect the build (starting in October) says that a calculation is necessary, at least to correctly select insulation materials, wall thicknesses, etc., and that it should come from the general contractor.

Now I am confused, so here are my questions:

1. Who is usually responsible for this?

2. Do I have to commission it myself? From what I understand, I must of course comply with the energy performance regulations / building energy law, but no official from the city where I am building will actually inspect or measure anything inside my single-family house after it is finished, right? And I would only need proof when selling or renting it out – correct?

3. If it is not possible without the calculation, how much does it roughly cost? Can someone share their experience?

Thanks!
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Elias_dee
15 Jun 2022 13:05
Thank you all very much. I will try to hold the general contractor accountable for this. If they don’t do it, I will have to commission it externally. Fortunately, I know an energy consultant who would do it for me. I will keep you updated.
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Elias_dee
16 Jun 2022 19:18
Sorry everyone, I have a follow-up question. Where exactly does it say that you have to calculate the building energy law at all?
Tolentino16 Jun 2022 19:32
Well, the Building Energy Act itself is a law. Laws must be followed.
I’m not sure if the Building Energy Act certificate is always required for a building permit / planning permission (in Berlin it is). However, you have to build in a way that complies with the Building Energy Act and be prepared to provide proof if necessary. In that sense, you are personally responsible. Because you are accountable for it.
If someone else prepares the certificate for you, they are responsible and, if needed, insured.
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Elias_dee
16 Jun 2022 20:04
Tolentino schrieb:

Well, the Building Energy Act itself is a law. Laws must be followed.
I'm not sure if the Building Energy Act certificate is always required for a building permit / planning permission everywhere (in Berlin it is). But you have to build in a way that complies with the Building Energy Act and be able to prove it if necessary. So, you are motivated by self-interest. Because you are responsible for it.
If someone else provides the certificate for you, they are responsible and, if necessary, insured for it….

Alright, I can work with that explanation. Thanks 🙂
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ypg
16 Jun 2022 22:01
As far as I know, the energy certificate is part of the building permit application. After all, the building authority needs to know what it is approving. And nowadays, a new construction simply cannot be approved without an energy assessment.
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ypg
16 Jun 2022 22:04
But it is also the basis for the house construction itself, for the offer price and the features, in the same way as the Energy Saving Ordinance or now the Building Energy Act. You need to know what you are getting.

It is comparable to horsepower when buying a car.