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Energy and certification
Energy and certification
Understand the building’s energy performance, document it and assess opportunities for improvement.
What energy certification includes
The Italian energy performance certificate (Attestato di Prestazione Energetica, APE) assesses the building in its existing condition: collecting data, visiting the property, analysing it and determining performance.
Prepare a quotation requestThe process
Documents
Finding and collecting the available technical and administrative documentation.
Site visit
Visiting the building to record and check the data required for the assessment.
Analysis
Reviewing the documentation collected and the characteristics of the building and its thermal systems.
Calculation and certificate
Calculating primary energy demand, determining energy performance and assigning the energy class.
What is assessed
- Opaque elements: the thermal characteristics of the building envelope’s non-glazed elements.
- Glazed elements: the thermal characteristics of glazed surfaces and window assemblies.
- Geometry: the building’s dimensions and configuration.
- Thermal systems: checking the system characteristics that contribute to energy performance.
The energy class is linked to the non-renewable global energy performance index, EPgl,nren. The reference to EPH alone in the earlier text does not describe the current overall classification.
Further information: regional energy performance provisions ↗.
From certification to potential improvements
The analysis includes identifying possible measures to improve energy performance.
As an additional service, a more detailed assessment can compare alternatives, their potential effects on the energy class and estimated future savings. This work is distinct from preparing the initial certificate.
If the client decides to proceed, the studio can undertake the design and applications required for the selected improvements, within the agreed scope of work.
Any applicable incentives and related applications can be assessed for the proposed work. Benefits, requirements and deadlines depend on the scheme and the individual case; they are neither automatic nor guaranteed.
Energy design and technical reports
The studio also offers energy design and technical energy reports, commonly referred to in Italy as relazioni ex Legge 10/91. These are separate from the APE and must be defined in relation to the work and the applicable provisions.
Advice also covers energy efficiency and alternative energy sources, considered in relation to the building’s needs.
Why accuracy matters
A certificate requires time, a site visit and appropriate analysis. A reliable account of energy performance helps people understand a property when considering a purchase or sale. The value of the service lies in the work undertaken and the technical responsibility involved; price alone is not a measure of quality.
Information for a quotation
An initial assessment requires the municipality and province, residential or non-residential use, a centralised or individual system, a floor area of up to 100 m² or more, whether a cadastral record is available, and any notes. Provide what you know and discuss the remaining details with the studio.