Administrative matters regarding energy labels could be simpler

Prague - The Ministry of Industry and Trade wants to simplify the administration associated with the energy performance certificates for buildings. In the case of the sale or rental of a building, it should be possible to replace the so-called energy labels with bills for electricity, gas, and heating for the last three years, Minister Martin Kuba (ODS) said today at a press conference. The relevant amendment to the law will be presented by ODS deputies, and Kuba expects the adjustment to come into effect in the last quarter of this year.
    Another adjustment to the law concerns listed buildings, which do not have to have energy labels. Their owners will no longer have to prove that their property is a cultural monument with a binding opinion of heritage conservation authorities.
    According to Kuba, the planned amendments to the law are based on a three-month practice of using energy labels. The goal of the adjustments is to reduce unnecessary administration and to prevent the state from forcing citizens to purchase labels worth thousands of crowns for older buildings that fall into poorer categories of energy performance and for which having a label does not increase their value.
    Deputy Minister Pavel Šolc emphasized, however, that the ministry does not reject labels as such. Its purpose will be demonstrated in an information campaign. Šolc is convinced that in the future it will gradually be possible to create an environment where labels will find use based on consumer demand.
    "We agree with the simplification of obligations regarding energy performance certificates. A large portion of the evaluated objects is now falling into the worst energy class. If the ministry could come up with a suitable methodology that would abolish the current requirement for energy certificates for similar buildings, it would certainly be a benefit for all involved," said Luděk Lošťák, director of Comfort Space, a company that deals with issuing labels.
    Lošťák also believes, however, that energy bills will not fully replace the label. "The basis of the energy performance certificate lies in the fact that the building is assessed in terms of construction and overall quality," he said.
    Energy labels have been mandatory since January 1 for all new buildings or during renovations and sales of apartments. Builders, building owners, or homeowners' associations are responsible for securing them. For rentals of parts of buildings, the new obligation will apply starting in 2016. Existing buildings will gradually acquire labels from 2015 to 2019, according to deadlines determined by the law.