ENERGY PERFOMANCE CERTIFICATES CYPRUS (EPC)

The energy performance of a building denotes its capacity, with all its components and systems, to ensure occupant comfort while upholding minimum environmental standards. This performance hinges on metrics such as energy consumption (measured in KWh per area per year), emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants, as well as the extent of water wastage.

Achieving good energy performance, characterized by low energy consumption and minimal emissions, has transitioned from being a luxury to a pressing necessity, especially given the continuous rise in energy costs.

The introduction of minimum energy performance requirements for buildings in Cyprus dates back to December 21st, 2007, initially applying only to new constructions. Subsequent amendments to the law on January 1st, 2010, brought about the implementation of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for all buildings, both existing and new, each subject to specific requirements based on its category. EPCs are exclusively issued by accredited experts from the Energy Service of the Cyprus government and remain valid for 10 years.

Broadly, the government mandates the issuance of an EPC for properties built, sold, or rented after January 1st, 2010:

• New constructions, for which a planning permit application was submitted after the aforementioned date, must adhere to minimum energy performance requirements and specifications.
• Property owners intending to sell their property must furnish potential buyers with an EPC, with no minimum requirements stipulated. The EPC must be made available prior to any agreement. Landlords are obligated to provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to new tenants as part of the letting process, irrespective of the building’s energy classification.
• All commercial advertisements for existing properties must incorporate the energy classification, akin to the energy rating provided for electrical appliances.

The Energy Performance Certificate forms an integral component of the property’s legal documentation, provided free of charge by property owners or landlords to prospective buyers, tenants, and owners. Its objective is to facilitate easy comparison of energy efficiency among similar buildings and to prompt consideration of energy efficiency as part of investment decisions.

For public buildings exceeding 500 sq.m. of floor area, the authority is responsible for displaying an EPC. The Energy Service of Cyprus is empowered by law to enforce penalty fees in instances of non-compliance with legal requirements.

EPCs assign a rating for the energy performance of every building, residential or commercial, ranging from A to G, with A indicating high efficiency and G indicating inefficiency.

Inclusive within every EPC is a recommendation report, presenting tested recommendations by the accredited expert issuing the certificate on enhancing the building’s energy efficiency. These recommendations are categorized into low and high cost, along with their respective impact on the building’s energy performance. Property owners may be eligible to apply for grants under certain circumstances to implement these recommendations.

As per the law, by December 31st, 2020, all new buildings must adhere to nearly zero-energy consumption standards. Effective energy-efficient building design is a goal capable of enhancing societal living standards while safeguarding the environment. The realization of this goal rests with policymakers, building professionals, and occupants alike