Learn how to choose a Qualified Expert to certify your property

The Energy Certification process involves a technical assessment of the building. This is done through an on-site inspection, which a qualified expert must perform. But do you know how to choose the best expert to certify your property? We'll explain!

Energy Performance Certification is done by qualified experts recognized by the Agency for Energy (ADENE), the managing authority of the Building Energy Certification System (SCE). These experts are the only professionals qualified to issue certifications for properties.

The energy certification process involves a technical assessment of the building, which includes an on-site inspection and an analysis of data on the building's construction features, such as thermal insulation, climate control and ventilation systems, lighting and renewable energy sources.

Who are Qualified Experts?

Qualified experts in charge of energy certification for properties are architects or engineers with five or more years of professional experience, specifically trained in energy efficiency.

In many countries, such as Portugal, these experts must be registered with the Agency for Energy (ADENE), or with another similar regulatory authority.

These experts are individually responsible for running the entire building certification process and the ones who ensure the operability of the SCE in the field. They may perform their duties during licensing or authorizing construction and use procedures and during periodic audits scheduled for the building or its autonomous units.

Get to know the day to day life of a qualified expert!

What does a Qualified Expert do?

Qualified expert are in charge of the energy certification of properties.

Their main function is to assess and measure the energy efficiency of a building and, based on this assessment, assign an energy rating to the property in question.

This assessment is done through an on-site inspection of the property needing certification. During this visit, experts analyze the construction features of the property, such as thermal insulation, lighting and climate control systems, and other aspects that may influence the building's energy efficiency.

Based on this information, qualified experts accredited by ADENE use specific software tools to calculate the property's energy efficiency and give it the appropriate energy rating. Buildings' energy rating ranges from A+ (highest energy rating) to G (lowest energy rating).

The main responsibilities of the qualified experts include:

• Ensuring compliance with technical regulations;
• Assessing energy performance and indoor air quality;
• Proposing measures for improvement following evaluations done, when applicable;
• Issuing and recording statements and/or certificates attesting to the building's regulatory compliance, energy performance and indoor air quality, together with any proposed measures for improvement;
• Checking or performing periodic inspections on boilers, air conditioning equipment, and systems, pursuant to the Building Climate Control System Regulation (RSECE).

As we have seen, qualified experts can (and should) propose measures to improve the energy efficiency of the property assessed. These improvements may include installing thermal insulation or the use of renewable energy sources, in order to reduce the property's energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Remember that, besides saving on energy costs, an Energy Performance Certificate will help make your property more eco-friendly and contribute to the fight against climate change!

How do I choose the best qualified expert to perform the certification?

The choice of qualified experts in charge of performing the energy certification of properties can vary according to the country or region where the certification process is done.

In Portugal, like in many countries, these expert must be registered with a regulatory authority, such as ADENE, to be accredited to conduct energy certifications. The regulatory authority may require experts to have specific training in energy efficiency and meet certain requirements, such as civil liability insurance.

Choose a reliable, high-quality expert!

The choice of experts in charge of the energy certification of properties is an essential step in the certification process! Your property's assessment will only be as accurate and reliable as the quality of the expert you choose.

Don't forget that an Energy Certificate is mandatory if you want to sell or rent your property. This is why it is so essential for the certification to be done by a qualified professional who can guarantee the document's compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

At Neves e Ferrão, we will help you choose the right qualified expert for your situation, with the utmost attention, while always bearing in mind his or her qualifications, experience and commitment to the quality of work done!

How can you avoid fraud in the energy certification process?

As previously mentioned, Energy Certificates can only be issued by qualified experts accredited by ADENE!

For this reason, beware of the warning signs such as low pricing quotes and individuals willing to issue an Energy Certificate without any documentation or visit to the property.

Here are some things to keep in mind to avoid being a victim of fraud in the energy certification process:

• Contact a trusted company recognized on the market, such as Neves & Ferrão, to help you choose a qualified experts;
• Choose a qualified expert accredited by ADENE;
• Always ask to see the expert's professional credentials before he/she visits your property;
• Be present during the entire visit, and oversee yourself the whole process of recognizing and assessing the property;
• Check the information on the Energy Certificate, and confirm the document's validity after it is issued.

At Neves & Ferrão, we guarantee the best certification at a fair price!

Do you need an Energy Certificate for your property? Contact us!