Energy efficiency class for buildings: meaning, classification and optimization

What is the energy efficiency class for houses?

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The energy efficiency class for houses indicates how high the energy requirement of a building is in relation to the living space and use. It is stated in the energy performance certificate and is based either on the calculated energy demand (demand certificate) or the actual energy consumption (consumption certificate).

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The labeling is based on a scale from A+ (very efficient) to H (not efficient). This classification helps buyers, tenants and owners to quickly assess the energy efficiency of a property and make informed decisions. For example, it can be used to determine whether high energy costs are to be expected or whether energy renovation measures could be economically worthwhile.

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Important: Non-residential buildings do not currently have energy efficiency classes, as is usual for residential buildings. Instead, other methods are used to determine a meaningful value (e.g. the Fraunhofer or BVI method (from the German Investment and Asset Management Association).

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From A+ to H: an overview of the scale for residential buildings

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The classification from A+ to H shows at a glance how energy-efficient a building is. The lower the energy consumption per square meter and year, the better the classification. 

This provides a clear overview of how consumption, costs and house type relate to each other:

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Information in the table according to the assessment of the consumer advice center.

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Energy efficiency classes for commercial buildings

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There is no standardized scale for the energy efficiency of non-residential buildings. The enormous variety of uses makes a blanket classification almost impossible. Instead, special assessment methods are used that focus more on the actual operation of the building or use comparative values.

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These two approaches, among others, have become established:

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‍Fraunhofermethod‍

This approach was developed by the Fraunhofer Institute of the same name. It compares the energy efficiency of buildings with a standardized reference model that depicts typical usage profiles. The result is usually expressed as a percentage.

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‍BVImethod‍

The approach according to the German Investment and Asset Management Association (BVI) is based more on real consumption data and is therefore more practical, investor-friendly and dynamic. It is therefore often used for commercial real estate and in portfolio analysis.

However, the EU Buildings Directive EPBD 2024/1275 provides for a standardized assessment of all building types on the A+-G scale from 2025.

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Who is obliged to determine the energy efficiency class?

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In 2024, the European Parliament adopted stricter standards. Among other things, these stipulate that residential buildings must have achieved at least class F by 2030 and finally class E by 2033 . 

Since the scale is to apply to all building types in the course of 2025, non-residential buildings must achieve energy efficiency class F by 2027 and class E by 2030 .  

To be able to comply with this, you must have the energy efficiency class determined accordingly.

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When selling, renting or leasing, you are also obliged to present an energy performance certificate - and thus also to disclose the corresponding classification. If a new certificate is issued (mandatory every 10 years), the consumption must also be recalculated at the same time. This also applies to non-residential buildings. 

This does not apply to houses with a usable area of less than 50^{m2 and} listed buildings.

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Calculate energy efficiency class for houses

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The EEK is part of the energy performance certificate, which is always drawn up by a qualified specialist (e.g. energy consultants, architects and engineers). This is important as many detailed, specialist key figures make the calculation complex. 

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Since 2024, the energy assessment of buildings has also been regulated by DIN V 18599. Since then, energy performance certificates must be issued on the basis of this standard in accordance with the German Building Energy Act (GEG) - and therefore by people with the relevant expertise.

Energy performance certificates are available in two permissible forms: Demand and consumption certificates. Both show the energy efficiency class of a building - but in different ways. Usually, you are free to choose, so you can decide for yourself how you want to provide the certificate. In some cases, however, the type of energy performance certificate you need is specified:

Demand certificate

The demand certificate includes a very detailed calculation of the building's energy efficiency. This is based on structural features, insulation, windows, heating and ventilation. The usage behavior of the residents does not play a role here. 

Among other things, this type is necessary: 

• for new buildings for which consumption data is not yet available, 

• for residential buildings with up to four units for which the building application was submitted before November 1, 1977, 

• if you are planning extensive renovations or extensions. 

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Consumption certificate

This type of energy certificate covers energy consumption over the past three years - based on actual costs. The calculation is therefore heavily dependent on the behavior of the residents. The detailed analysis of the building fabric is of secondary importance here. 

You can use a consumption certificate for buildings, among other things,  

• with at least five residential units, regardless of the year of construction, 

• built after November 1, 1977, 

• older and were renovated in accordance with the 1977 Thermal Insulation Ordinance. 

Important: The prerequisite for this is that you have the complete heating cost and consumption bills for the past three years. 

This energy performance certificate is also not permitted if you own an unrenovated old building with up to four residential units and built before 1977. 

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Have an energy performance certificate created online?

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A quick internet search quickly brings up providers who offer to create an energy performance certificate online in just a few steps. As an initial classification, this may be an interesting offer - but for official purposes, we generally recommend that you work with a specialist. 

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The platforms often generate the certificates automatically and without any real checks. There is no on-site visit to the property and only estimated data is used. This makes the end result inaccurate and increases the risk of false information. 

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We therefore advise you not to have an energy performance certificate drawn up online and instead recommend that you always get in touch with experts. 

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How can the energy efficiency of my home be improved? 

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You can only achieve better energy efficiency with the help of an energy-efficient refurbishment. This does not necessarily have to be comprehensive - depending on the extent of energy-related weaknesses, targeted individual measures can also be sufficient and avoid high investment costs. Expert advice is recommended in any case.  

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Which measures promise the greatest economic benefit depends on the individual condition of your property. 

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It is best to seek advice from specialists who can carry out an on-site assessment of your building if necessary. The data collected can be used to derive targeted adjustments that can increase energy efficiency and reduce your costs.

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How big is the (financial) advantage after an energy-efficient refurbishment?

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Energy-efficient refurbishment involves investment costs that vary greatly depending on the scope. Nevertheless, the financial benefits can be considerable - especially in the long term. Our practical experience shows that, on average, energy savings of up to 80 % and increases in value of up to 30 % are possible. 

By reducing the energy efficiency of your home, you benefit from these advantages, among others: 

• Reduced heating and operating costs, 

• Increased living comfort (e.g. by reducing draughts), 

• Increase the value of your property, 

• Contribution to environmental and climate protection, 

• Possibility of claiming state subsidies for energy-efficient renovations. 

In order to find the most economical solution and avoid unnecessary adjustments, we recommend that you carry out an energy consultation in advance. Our experts will help you to define the specific refurbishment requirements for your building and work with you to develop a customized strategy. This turns eligible refurbishment measures into sustainable properties.

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Book an appointment now for a non-binding initial consultation.

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