The energy certificate provides information about the energy class of a building. Similar to the energy efficiency classes for household appliances, the building energy classes are classified with a letter and divided alphabetically. The highest and thus best energy efficiency class of a building is rated with an A+ and the distinction "very energy efficient". Followed by an A, B, C, D, E, F, G and lastly the energy efficiency class H ("not energy saving"). Regardless of building type, a large proportion of new-build properties fall into the energy efficiency classes A+, A and B.
The classification of buildings into energy efficiency classes makes it possible to compare different buildings in terms of their energy consumption. At the same time, interested parties receive important information about the energy condition of the building. If the energy condition is poor and the building has a low energy efficiency class, the CO2 emissions and heating costs are higher than for a more energy-efficient property.
The NRW consumer center provides an overview of the possible annual energy costs per square meter that can be expected for the different building energy classes. While a building in energy class A+ costs less than two euros and class A two euros per square meter per year in energy costs, these amount to around 9 euros for a class F building and more than 13 euros for a class H building. With energy refurbishment measures, buildings can achieve higher energy efficiency classes.
Source: effizienzhaus-online.de
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