BuildingRating

Sharing Transparency for a More Efficient Future

Portugal

Policy Description:

The new certification system for the energy performance of buildings, approved by Decree-Law 118/2013, entered into force on December 1 2013.

The new certification system, which transposed EU Directive 2010/31/EC, establishes a clear distinction between the regimes applicable to residential and non-residential buildings (eg, services and commercial buildings), with a view to simplifying and clarifying an issue of significant technical complexity.

For buildings under construction or major renovation, a provisional EPC is required before the construction or renovation takes place. However, this provisional EPC will expire if it is not converted into a final EPC once the work has been completed.

EPCs (and provisional EPCs) are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. EPCs for major services and commercial buildings are valid for six years from the date of issue. However, if there is any change in the building that could affect its energy performance, the EPC will be rendered invalid.

Apart from the owners, developers and real estate agents must now disclose the relevant EPC (or provisional EPC) number and energy performance rating in all advertisements for the sale or rent of buildings covered by the certification system.

Enacted Date:
2013
Authority in Charge:
ADENE
Tool Name:
Energy Performance Certificate
Relevant Links:
Building Types Affected Size Compliance Deadline
Single-Family, Multi-Family, Non-Residential Greater Than or Equal To 1,000 Sq. Meters
Public/Government Greater Than 500 Sq. Meters
Exemptions:
Shopping centers, supermarkets and covered pools greater than or equal to 500 square meters must comply. On July 1st, 2015, the threshold for buildings owned by a public authority will decrease to 250 square meters.
Transparency:
Required Transparency:
Yes
Transparency Method:
Report to Recipient
Recipients:
Tenants, Buyers, Lessees
Transparency Trigger:
Point of Transaction
Transparency Trigger Events:
Purchase/sell (required), Rent (required)
Reporting:
Required Reporting:
No

Utility Requirements/Support:

Utility Requirements/Support:
No

Verification:

Verification:
No

Compliance:

Compliance Enforcement:
Yes
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Yes
Description:
Failure by owner to obtain an EPC is subject to fine ranging from €250 to €44,890. The same fine applies to owners, developers and real estate agents that fail to identify the building's EPC (or provisional EPC) number and energy performance rating.