What is the Energiepass “as-built”?

The Energiepass “as-built”: A compulsory document for all new constructions or building modifications

The Energiepass “as-built” or energy performance certificate “as-built” is mandatory for any:

• New construction;
• Extension project;
• Modification of an existing building.

It is a variant of the Energiepass usually needed to rent or sale a property. It is important to differentiate between:

• The Energiepass “authorization” issued before the construction works. This document defines the minimum energy performance requirements to be achieved.
• The “as-built” certificate issued after the works. It describes the residential building as it is at the time of completion of the work, at a specific date.

This Energiepass lists all the changes made during the works to improve energy performance. It must be submitted to:

• Local authorities in order to check whether the energy requirements have been met. If this is not the case, the building permit may be cancelled.
• The future owner to validate that what is delivered corresponds to what was ordered (from a property developer, for example).

What is the purpose of the “as-built” energy diagnostic?

The Energiepass “as-built” is mainly used to:

• Validate the completion of the construction, extension or renovation works;
• Guarantee that the works comply with the requirements of the Energiepass “authorization”, which was used to obtain building permission.

Yet, it can have other purposes, such as:

• Allowing the owner to check if the works comply with the requirements of the contracts and quotations of the craftsmen;
• Serve as an energy performance certificate for the sale or rental of a house or flat.

How do I know if the Energiepass available is the “as-built” one?

Since 1^st of October 2016, all non-as-built Energiepasses must be marked “as planned” on the first page of the document.

For any property built before this date, it is more difficult to know whether it is really the “as-built” Energiepass. In this case, there is only one solution: contact the expert who issued the Energiepass in question.

When does the “as-built” energy performance certificate have to be issued?

All changes made on the building site are included in the energy calculations as they occur.

This allows for continuous monitoring and the identification of any necessary adjustments or actions to be implemented before the end of the works.

Therefore, when the works are duly completed, the Energiepass already includes all the data required for its issue (including a calculation of thermal bridges). The “as-built” certificate must then be submitted to the new owner within two months of delivery of the property.

How is the energy performance certificate (EPC) “as-built” drawn up?

For the energy performance certificate “as-built” to be drawn up, upon request of the property developer or owner, there is two possibilities:

• The energy expert who signs the Energiepass has himself monitored the building site and checked all materials and installations used;
• Or he has passed on this responsibility to the building owner in return for signing a certificate of compliance.

This responsibility is crucial: without all the data concerning, for example, the insulation, the thickness of the slabs and the nature of the materials used, standard values are used for the calculations. These are not conducive to a good energy class.

Regarding the air tightness of the building, it must be certified by a blower-door test.

Who can do this?

The professional who issued the Energiepass “authorization” is usually responsible for the “as-built”. The reasons? Lower costs and better knowledge of the building project.

Furthermore, the FCCE, Fédération des conseillers et certifateurs énergétiques, recommends not accepting a quote that does not include the “as-built” in addition to the “authorization” passport.

To find out more, contact an energy expert now!